Shumlin vetoes elder abuse “report bill”
AHS chief Doug Racine and Gov. Shumlin say the monthly statutory reporting requirements are too onerous and a “distraction.”
Vermont’s $2.4 million disaster grant approved by FEMA
Gov. Peter Shumlin announced today that Vermont will receive a $2.4 million grant from FEMA for recovery services for survivors of Tropical Storm Irene.
Longer state employee commutes, higher taxpayer costs ahead as Waterbury State Office Complex repairs progress
The cost just to “stabilize” and restore essential infrastructure — not to make the offices inhabitable — is estimated now at $17 million-$20 million.
Vermont GOP gives deputy secretary of AHS a “thumbs down” for tar sands protest
“While some may applaud Mr. Flood’s dedication to his cause, and his eagerness to join the star of ‘Splash’ in a protest against President Obama, the fact is that his presence and his services were needed here in Vermont. This was a poor display of leadership by someone responsible for the well-being of hundreds of dedicated state employees. The VT GOP gives the AHS Deputy Secretary a big thumbs down on this.
Digger Tidbits: State to probe more abuse complaints; Foodstamps backlog disappears; Shumlin tweaks AT&T with Tweet
Canteen reopens at State Hospital; Vermont has second highest health insurance rates; Timely release of tax data? Salmon is sailor of the year; Wallack touts single-payer in New England Journal of Medicine; Report urges “prompt” solution to long-term nuclear waste problem; Statehouse trees stay put
McClaughry: The Challenges for Change dream world
The watchword for this process was “spending less money and still achieving the outcomes” declared by the Legislature. Thus, the Agency of Human Services was told to achieve its share of the savings “without reducing government benefits, limiting benefit eligibility, or reducing personnel” unless specifically authorized by the Legislature.
Q & A with Shap Smith: Some Challenge initiatives ‘won’t get out of the starting gate’
We have a responsibility to make sure we have a balanced budget, and we’ve always known in a year like this we’d have to make difficult choices.
Up to the Challenge? Vermont’s restructuring plan comes with blurry details; human services target $6M short
Evslin said the teams focused on the content of the outcomes rather than the money they were faced with saving in each area of government.
‘Big Bill’ passes out of committee without a hitch; budget restores $8 million in human service programs
The House Appropriations Committee proposes setting aside $62.5 million in additional Medicaid money the state is expected to receive.
The Rutland Herald: “To achieve $30 million in human services cuts, needs will go unmet”
Job losses (in the human services sector) will have their own ripple effects, further depressing the economy.
