SNAP cuts? Been there, done that. From Clinton’s 1996 work requirements to Trump’s 2025 proposal, each wave sparked headlines predicting mass starvation. Yet SNAP spending has soared over decades, and malnutrition deaths tell a more complex
Vermont’s SNAP program distributed $155 million in federal benefits last year, but less than 36% went to nutrient-dense foods like meat, dairy, and non-starchy vegetables. The majority funded starches, sugary drinks, and ultra-processed sna
Vermont’s generous safety net layers state-funded programs on top of federal benefits, but without tracking who’s using them. Lawmakers know what’s happening—soaring costs and demand—but not why. Are longtime residents losing housing, or is
Vermont’s 65,000 Medicaid expansion enrollees face big changes under HR1. A new work rule and semi-annual reporting could mean 30,000 lose coverage unless the state streamlines the process. Seniors get tax relief on Social Security, and wor
NYC mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani’s call to “seize the means of production” has revived interest in collectivist economics. But despite decades of advocacy, large-scale worker-built businesses remain elusive. A Vermont professor’s recent d
Vermont is famous for buying local, but the reality tells a different story. Over 86% of its food and 94% of its tech services are imported from out of state, exporting billions every year. Can Vermont ever build true independence? It has t
As Vermont’s K–12 enrollment declined, Pre-K expansion under Act 166 quietly padded student counts—masking the real rise in education costs. By including thousands of part-time preschoolers in per-pupil math, the state diluted the true cost
Vermont’s universal Pre-K was supposed to boost student achievement. A decade later, test scores are down and costs are up. The data show no lasting academic benefit—just a very expensive daycare system wrapped in education branding. Maybe
Vermont spent $2 million designing a wildlife crossing on I-89—only to cancel the project when $50 million in construction funding fell through. Critics question why cheaper, phased alternatives weren’t explored. The project’s collapse high
Vermont’s $8.6 billion FY25 budget sends hundreds of millions to unnamed nonprofits under vague labels like “community partners” and “designated agencies.” With no performance metrics or public recipient lists in the law, taxpayers are left
Windows 10 support ends in 2025—but unlike past phase-outs, millions of PCs can’t upgrade to Windows 11 due to strict hardware rules. This shift leaves users facing real security risks and limited options. Should you pay for updates, buy a
As Vermont’s Legislature stalls on adjournment, pressure builds over an unfinished education funding overhaul. With H.454 lingering in limbo and property tax hikes looming, critics say lawmakers are prioritizing political cover over real re
