Jane Kitchel

A woman stands to speak in the Vermont Senate chamber

'You can't live life with regrets.' Jane Kitchel reflects on career in government, politics

Peter Hirschfeld

The powerful chair of the Senate appropriations committee and former secretary of human services shocked Vermont's political world last week when she announced that she will not seek reelection.

A woman with glasses and white hair speaks while using her hands. Another woman looks on from the side.

Local News

Jane Kitchel announces retirement after nearly 20 years in Vermont Senate

Peter Hirschfeld

Caledonia County Sen. Jane Kitchel has helmed budget deliberations in the Legislature for nearly two decades.

Barre mother Nina Lemieux sits with her three kids, Billie, Brightlynn and Boston (from left). Shortly after Lemieux's daycare provider shut down unexpectedly in 2017, Lemieux lost her job, her savings and her apartment.

Local News

Childcare Advocates Anxious As Senate Considers Increased Funding

Peter Hirschfeld

House lawmakers last month approved a substantial increase in funding for childcare services, but leaders in the Senate say they aren’t ready to commit to…

Sens. Jane Kitchel, Tim Ashe and Ann Cummings, from left, called on Gov. Phil Scott Thursday to develop a contingency plan in the event of a government shutdown.

Local News

Scott Vetoes State Budget, Lawmakers Call For Government Shutdown Contingency Plan

Peter Hirschfeld

Gov. Phil Scott Thursday night vetoed the state budget passed by lawmakers last week. And with Scott and the Legislature still at odds over one key policy…

Lawmakers gathered in the Senate at the kickoff of the biennium in 2017. Now, lawmakers will return for a special session next week.

Local News

Senate Votes For Expanded Paid Family Leave. Will Scott Veto?

Bob Kinzel

The Vermont Senate has given its final approval to the paid family leave bill. But the measure has an uncertain future because it's likely that Gov. Phil…