A proposal discussed in the House Environment Committee could change how Vermont regulates small livestock operations. Farm groups warn the language may expand state oversight through new “land base” and livestock density standards while la
A little-noticed legislative study may reopen a long-dormant question in Vermont: should counties play a larger role in how the state is governed? Created by Act 118 in 2024, the County and Regional Governance Study Committee is examining w
Vermont’s housing down-payment program is funded through tax credits sold below face value to banks and insurance companies. Those institutions can buy discounted tax relief while the state gives up the full value of the credits. The obviou
Artificial intelligence isn’t a digital brain or an all-knowing oracle. At its core, modern AI is a massive probability engine—a highly educated “wild-ass guessometer.” It can produce impressive answers at incredible speed, but it doesn’t u
Vermont’s electric-vehicle sales mandate hasn’t been repealed — it’s only paused. The state’s Advanced Clean Cars II rule, which would phase out new gasoline vehicle deliveries by 2035, remains on the books unless lawmakers act. With a repe
A proposal to tax investment income for households earning more than $200,000 drew debate in the Senate Finance Committee as lawmakers considered whether Vermont could raise new revenue without driving away high earners. The discussion also
Act 73 is widely seen as a school district consolidation law, but it also restructures how Vermont values property for education taxes. Lawmakers are now rewriting and delaying its Regional Assessment District provisions, tightening legisla
Vermonters can weigh in on the state’s draft Conservation Plan at a March 2 listening session in Rutland or a virtual session on March 9. The plan outlines how Vermont intends to meet Act 59 conservation targets, including expanded land pro
Two Vermont Senate bills would raise education property tax rates on nonhomestead residential properties and remove the sales tax exemption on heating fuel and electricity for second homes and many rentals. The changes shift higher operatin
Vermont’s Proposal 3 would amend the state Constitution to enshrine a right to collectively bargain, restrict future labor law changes, and permanently block right-to-work legislation. Supporters call it worker protection. Critics warn it r
Five years after legalization, Vermont’s cannabis program is generating more than enough tax revenue to cover regulatory costs and statutory allocations. But lawmakers never created a “no-subsidy” firewall. With most of the Cannabis Control
Vermont’s retiree health care obligations exceed $2.5 billion, with more than $2.1 billion currently unfunded. Despite recent prefunding efforts, the systems remain just 16.6% and 13.6% funded. Required annual state contributions are rising
