Vermont Legislature

The Vermont Human Rights Commission is asking lawmakers and the governor to nearly double its annual budget to address a lack of capacity at the agency.

Democratic lawmakers on Saturday declined to hold a vote that would have measured support for incumbent candidate Jill Krowinski, a Democrat from Burlington who’s served in the speaker’s post for the last four years.

A forecast published this week by the Vermont Department of Taxes projects a 5.9% jump in property taxes next year, but Republican Gov. Phil Scott said he is seeking to put forward a proposal that would keep tax bills flat in 2025.

Republicans now have enough members in both the House and Senate to sustain Gov. Phil Scott's vetoes, and House Minority Leader Pattie McCoy said they plan to use that power.

While next year’s forecast isn’t as dire as some elected officials had feared, Democrats and Republicans say the projected increase is more than many homeowners can bear.

Next week, the Department of Taxes will issue a highly anticipated letter that will give lawmakers, school boards and the public their first look at how much property taxes are expected to rise next year.

Hospital leaders say they have no other choice but to cut services, like inpatient psychiatric care at Central Vermont Medical Center, in order to avoid operating at a loss. But lawmakers want them to reconsider.

Some people are doubling up with friends and family. Others have strained their budgets to stay longer in the motels. And many are sleeping outside.

Vermont adult-use retail cannabis shops will be able to apply for a medical license next year. The state wants to develop training for retail dispensary employees, to prepare for situations where medical patients may seek product recommendations and advice.

Vermont State Police have steeply increased their use of drones since 2019. As more departments across the state acquire the new technology for things like search-and-rescue missions, usage is expected to continue to grow.