State officials say Irene transportation repairs will cost less than half what they anticipated
The state saved millions of dollars by taking short cuts during the post-Irene emergency that normally would be prohibited under state and federal laws.
Asbestos removal will drive up costs of Irene recovery at Weston Mobile Home Park
Some 433 mobile homes at 15 parks around the state suffered damage from the storm on Aug. 28, according to state officials. Many of the homeowners can’t afford the cost of disposing the homes.
Anatomy of a strike: Bennington impasse over “steps” and health care concessions may have statewide implications
Bennington is tied with Colchester for a dubious record — the second longest teachers’ strike in Vermont history.
Cross: A better way to resolve teacher contract disputes
I grew up in a union family. At a very early age, sat at my father’s knee listening to John L. Lewis and other union leaders as they addressed the nation via radio. It was a requirement in our house. I was first trained in the art of negotiating as a young Vermont teacher by the NEA, around 1960.
Patt: High stakes in proposed Gaz Metro acquisition of CVPS
Every so often in the history of the utility industry in Vermont, a major event happens that shapes Vermont’s energy future for generations to come, often in ways that cannot be predicted at the time. Approval of the proposed merger of CVPS and GMP into a single foreign-owned company would certainly be such an event.
Reapportionment public hearings to be held Nov. 2 through Dec. 15 at locations around the state
The House Committee on Government Operations of the Vermont General Assembly is conducting a series of public hearings this fall on the decennial legislative apportionment process.
Last disaster recovery centers closing, aid still available
“There’s nothing to be frightened about. We are going to make sure that every Vermonter who is eligible gets the aid they need,” Russo said. “Assistance is still only a phone call away.”
Leahy lauds Obama’s stepped up efforts to stem prescription shortages
“This is a harmful and recurring problem, and it is a preventable problem,” said Leahy. “These are steps for greater oversight and accountability of drug producers and suppliers. The drugs that doctors prescribe for their patients are not expendable consumer choices; they are lifelines. I commend the President for urging coordination between the Justice Department and the FDA to prevent the exploitation of prescription drug shortages and to expedite the process of certifying new drug manufacturing facilities and suppliers. These are steps in the right direction to counter a growing problem.”
Kranichfeld: Protesters should be allowed to stay in Burlington’s City Hall Park
“I fully support The Occupy Wall Street movement and I believe the protestors in Burlington’s City Hall Park should be allowed to stay and exercise their First Amendment right, provided they stay peaceful and non-violent,” Kranichfeld said. “As long as this peaceful protest continues, we should support their movement and listen to what they have to say.”
Vermont Chamber names Bill Stenger citizen of the year
“Bill Stenger’s innovation and determination have invigorated the economy in the Northeast Kingdom, providing excellent jobs to many in Vermont’s most rural region,” said Betsy Bishop, President of the Vermont Chamber of Commerce.
