After lawmakers and conservationists objected to the proposed sinking of a century-old Lake Champlain ferry to create an artificial reef, the boat’s engineer pleaded his case Wednesday.
John Paul, port engineer for the Lake Champlain Ferry Co., told the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Energy that the plan to “reef” the Adirondack ferry would be a beautiful tribute.
“It’s been a fixture of the Champlain Valley for more than 50 years, and we’d be able to place it in a location that’s about 60 feet from where it used to run,” he said. “It’ll be there to study for generations. And if it’s scrapped, that won’t be the case. We want the boat to live on.”
— James Finn
A four-year, $13.5 million plan to help solve Vermont’s court backlog brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic calls for possible after-hours proceedings on nights and weekends.
The proposal would add staff, boost technology and bring in retired judges to help deal with the massive number of court cases in the system.
Vermont Defender General Matthew Valerio told the Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday he worries extending court hours could create a staffing problem.
“I’m just concerned about if there are lawyers that exist who are ready, willing and competent to do the work,” he said. “Even if you throw $10 million at the defense system, I don’t think I could find the people to work even if I had the money.”
— Alan J. Keays
It’s another committee. But advocates say that the Joint Legislative Health Care Affordability Study Committee could help resurrect discussions about universal primary care, expand eligibility for Medicaid and, ultimately, some say, persuade state officials to reconsider health care for all.
The proposed six-member group would convene this summer and hold at least eight public hearings across the state to hear from Vermonters about their health care concerns. The study committee would file a report to the Legislature by next January.
“This is the best time in a long time to take bold steps and to take major steps for major reform,” former state Sen. Debbie Ingram, executive director of Vermont Interfaith Action, said Wednesday, citing the abundance of pandemic-related federal aid available to the state.
— Katie Jickling
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