VTDigger Minute is a weekly news digest from Vermont PBS. Tune in every Wednesday at 6 p.m. and Thursday at 6:30 a.m. to hear about the week’s top stories.
This week on the Minute:
Advocate says state too cozy with Blue Cross, could cost consumers
Vermont’s health care advocate is protesting a state decision that will allow Blue Cross Blue Shield to retain more surplus funding. Advocate Mike Fisher says that the move could raise premiums for customers. Fisher is concerned that Blue Cross collaborated with state regulators with no public input, while those regulators say the move is meant to protect customers.
Sanders had hoped for Vermont kickoff, but weather sent him to New York
Sen. Bernie Sanders had planned to launch his 2020 campaign in Burlington, but the weather sent him south. Emails between Sanders’ campaign and the Burlington Parks Department show that staff had been trying to plan a rally on the city’s waterfront, but were told that conditions would be too icy. Instead, the campaign will kick off in Brooklyn this weekend.
Paid family leave proposal faces reality in tax committee
The paid family leave system proposed by Vermont Democrats would be one of the most robust in the country. But after facing financial scrutiny in committee, it’s unclear if it’ll stay that way. Fiscal analysts showed that reserves for the program could dry up quickly, and its startup costs would be steep. Lawmakers say they’re still working on the numbers.
