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1 month ago

Senate Natural Resources Committee advances energy navigator report, directs DPS to design program The Senate Committee on Natural Resources & Energy voted to report S-219, directing the Department of Public Service to contract for a design of a Vermont community-based home energy navigator and coaching program and to submit a program-design report; members discussed funding, an RFP timeline and contingency language.

Vermont is taking a bold step towards energy efficiency with a new bill aimed at guiding low- and moderate-income households in navigating clean-energy options!

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#VT #CitizenPortal #EnergyEfficiency #ClimateAction #PublicService #VermontCommunity

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1 month ago

Agency of Commerce outlines grant inventory, Brownfields unmet need and RDC constraints Dan Dickerson (ACCD) told the committee the agency’s grants inventory mirrors prior-year funding levels, flagged roughly $17 million of unmet Brownfields need, explained mechanics of a $5 million rural industrial appropriation and discussed options to convert loans to grants to spur RDC-led commercial development.

Vermont's Agency of Commerce reveals a staggering $17 million in unmet demand for Brownfields revitalization while exploring new grant options to boost regional development!

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#VT #CitizenPortal #BrownfieldsRevitalization #EconomicDevelopment #VermontCommunity #GrantPerformance

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1 month ago

House reads concurrent resolution honoring Nathan Souter The House read and accepted HCR200, a concurrent resolution celebrating the life and community contributions of Nathan Souter; legislators offered tributes and family members were recognized in the gallery.

The Vermont House honored the remarkable life of Nathan Souter, a beloved community leader whose legacy of service and resilience continues to inspire.

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#VT #CommunityLeadership #CitizenPortal #VermontCommunity #ArtInitiatives #FloodResilience

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1 month ago

House approves change to Vermont’s "single plant" definition to ease community solar expansion The Vermont House amended and approved H 7 10 to adopt a new definition of "single plant" for electricity generating facilities, allowing adjacent renewable facilities with separate points of interconnection to be treated separately; the change takes effect July 1, 2026.

Vermont's House just passed a groundbreaking bill that could supercharge community solar expansion by redefining how we classify renewable energy facilities!

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#VT #SolarGrowth #CitizenPortal #InfrastructureDevelopment #VermontCommunity #RenewableEnergy

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1 month ago

Community action agencies seek $5.9M for homelessness prevention and housing vouchers Capstone Community Action and VCAP coalition asked the committee to fund case management ($500,000), permanent housing navigators ($1,000,000), concrete supports ($1,250,000), a home voucher program ($1,500,000) and a community resource center ($650,000) to prevent homelessness and sustain low-barrier supports.

Vermont's fight against homelessness hinges on a $5.9 million funding request that could transform lives and secure housing for families in need.

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#VT #CitizenPortal #HousingSupport #HomelessnessPrevention #VermontCommunity #CommunityResources

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1 month ago

Senate committee reviews S.138 to authorize commercial PACE financing in Vermont Witnesses told the Senate committee S.138 would create a voluntary commercial PACE program that leverages private capital for energy and resilience upgrades; lenders urged a lender‑consent mechanism and clarity on valuation and administering agencies.

The Senate Finance committee is diving into S.138, a game-changing bill that could revolutionize commercial property financing in Vermont by leveraging private capital for energy efficiency and resilience upgrades.

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#VT #CitizenPortal #EnergyEfficiency #VermontCommunity

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1 month ago

Community action agencies ask Vermont House for $1.15M to expand micro‑business, tax and financial coaching services Capstone Community Action told the Vermont House Committee on Commerce & Economic Development on Feb. 17 that community action agencies are seeking $1.15 million in additional state funding to bolster micro‑business development, the VITA tax‑assistance program and statewide financial coaching; committee members asked for statewide intake and waitlist data before recommending appropriations.

Capstone Community Action is urging Vermont lawmakers for $1.15 million to boost vital services that help low-income families escape poverty through micro-business growth and financial coaching.

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#VT #CitizenPortal #FinancialCoaching #EconomicDevelopment #VermontCommunity

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1 month ago

House Energy committee reviews ADS FY27 request, flags $9M recurring appropriation and billing shifts Committee members examined the Agency of Digital Services' FY27 ask — a $9 million recurring general‑fund appropriation and internal billing changes that together create a roughly $5 million net increase in ADS billbacks — and requested JFO follow‑up on accounting and project‑level spending.

The House Energy committee is pushing for a $9 million boost in the Agency of Digital Services budget, raising questions about its impact on Vermont's finances and accountability!

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#VT #CitizenPortal #VermontCommunity #DigitalInfrastructure #PublicAccountability

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1 month ago

ACCD warns federal funding is flattening; seeks spending authority for CDBG‑DR and flags brownfields gap ACCD told the Appropriations Committee that federal funds make up a large share of its budget—driven by CDBG‑DR disaster recovery awards—and requested spending authority to issue roughly $18.9–20 million in grants while noting expiration of a DOD diversification grant and missed brownfields awards shrink federal receipts.

Vermont's ACCD reveals that federal funding, primarily from disaster recovery grants, is crucial for its budget, but upcoming funding gaps raise serious concerns for future projects.

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#VT #CitizenPortal #FederalFunding #DisasterRecovery #VermontCommunity #GrantAwareness

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1 month ago

Vermont State Colleges seeks $1M to ready Johnson campus site for 60‑unit housing project Chancellor Beth Mauck and developer partner Art Klugo asked the committee for $1,000,000 in capital funds to complete design, permitting and environmental work for a two‑phase, 60‑unit apartment project on the Johnson campus; they projected phase‑one construction costs of about $10–11.5 million and draft rents roughly $1,900–$2,500 per unit.

Vermont State Colleges is pushing for $1 million to transform the Johnson campus into a vibrant 60-unit apartment community, aiming to meet the needs of students and locals alike!

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#VT #CitizenPortal #AffordableHousing #CommunityInvestment #VermontCommunity #CampusDevelopment

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1 month ago

ACCD presents restrained FY27 budget; officials flag ADS tech charges and ARPA wind‑down Agency of Commerce and Community Development leaders told legislators that FY27 is deliberately restrained, flagged late ADS technology charges that raised budget pressure, and outlined one‑time requests including a Montreal business‑development contract and $800,000 for manufactured home repairs amid an ARPA spend‑down.

Vermont's Agency of Commerce faces budget hurdles with rising tech costs and expiring ARPA positions, while outlining critical one-time funding needs for economic development.

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#VT #CitizenPortal #EconomicDevelopment #VermontCommunity #TechnologyCosts #BudgetTransparency

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1 month ago

Vermont 2-1-1 warns funding cut could hinder new Epic ‘closed‑loop’ referral work with UVM Health United Way of Vermont’s 2‑1‑1 told legislators a proposed $332,000 cut to state funding would threaten core services just as a grant-funded ‘closed‑loop’ referral integration with UVM’s Epic EHR aims to streamline referrals from clinical screenings to community resources.

Vermont 2‑1‑1 faces a critical $332,000 funding cut that could jeopardize its vital services just as it launches an innovative referral integration with UVM Health's Epic system.

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#VT #CommunityResources #CitizenPortal #VermontCommunity #SocialSupport #HealthIntegration

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1 month ago

Community coalition urges state funding for benefit assisters to help Vermonters keep SNAP and Medicaid Advocates from a coalition of community service organizations asked the committee to fund benefit assisters—staff at trusted local organizations who help people enroll and stay enrolled in SNAP (3Squares Vermont) and Medicaid—citing recent federal changes and emergency response experience as reasons to expand capacity statewide.

Community advocates are pushing for state funding to hire benefit assisters, ensuring eligible Vermonters retain vital SNAP and Medicaid benefits while keeping local economies thriving.

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#VT #CitizenPortal #WorkforceStability #FoodSecurity #VermontCommunity #HealthAccess

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2 months ago

Land Access Opportunity Board presents Resilience Hub toolkit, seeks pilot grants for community hubs LAOB presented a frontline‑developed Resilience Hub Toolkit and described a pilot grant round to seed community resilience hubs; presenters said the toolkit is in use, proposed initial grants of roughly $50,000, and outlined a goal to scale to a cohort of 16–20 hubs with further legislative funding.

The Land Access Opportunity Board is empowering communities with a groundbreaking Resilience Hub Toolkit designed to enhance disaster preparedness and recovery—could your town be next?

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#VT #VermontCommunity #EmergencyManagement #DisasterPreparedness #CitizenPortal

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2 months ago

Vermont board keeps affordable connection programs and apprenticeship pipeline amid federal shifts Board staff told legislators the agency is piloting a device donation program after digital equity funds were reduced, running an $8 million 'affordable long drop' to pay initial connection costs for low/medium‑income households, and expanding a fiber apprenticeship that yields roughly 70% placement.

Vermont is fighting to keep digital equity alive with innovative programs for low-income households and a booming fiber apprenticeship pipeline, despite federal funding cuts.

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#VT #WorkforceDevelopment #DigitalEquity #VermontCommunity #AffordableAccess #CitizenPortal

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2 months ago

House passes H.84 on telehealth recordings and H.534 on community action agencies On third reading the House passed H.84, allowing telehealth appointments to be recorded with patient and provider consent, and H.534, 'an act relating to community action agencies.' Both bills were approved by voice vote.

The House just passed two significant bills: one to allow telehealth appointments to be recorded with consent, and another to support community action agencies—what does this mean for Vermont's healthcare and social services?

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#VT #VermontCommunity #CommunityAction

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2 months ago

Committee approves strike‑all amendment to H.534, adds new immunization rules and six‑year sunset A legislative committee approved a strike‑all amendment (version 2.1) to H.534 that adds recommended‑immunization language, clarifies pharmacist and pharmacy‑technician authority, adjusts advisory‑council membership, requires Community Action Agency assessments, and sunsets many changes on 07/01/2031.

A legislative committee has just approved a major overhaul to H.534, introducing new immunization rules and a six-year sunset that could change healthcare in Vermont!

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#VT #VermontCommunity #PublicHealth #CommunityAction #ImmunizationPolicy #CitizenPortal

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2 months ago

Bill asks Efficiency Vermont and community partners to design statewide energy‑navigator program, provides initial funding for pilot and expansion S.219 would commission Efficiency Vermont and the Climate Economy Action Center of Addison County to design a community-based home energy navigator and coaching program, with $50,000 for a report to Efficiency Vermont and $150,000 to the community center for program development and expansion; report due 01/15/2027.

Senator Hardy's new bill aims to empower Vermont households with a community-based energy navigator program, offering personalized coaching to help reduce energy costs—especially for low- and moderate-income families.

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#VT #VermontCommunity #HomeWeatherization #LowIncomeSupport

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2 months ago

Appropriations Committee hears BAA overview as lawmakers weigh reserves and property tax relief Administration staff told the Appropriations Committee there is roughly $121 million in additional revenue to allocate in the Budget Adjustment Act, with about $46–48 million proposed for new appropriations and roughly $75 million temporarily reserved for property-tax relief under proposed Section 50 language.

Vermont's Appropriations Committee is diving deep into a $121 million budget adjustment, with nearly $75 million earmarked for property tax relief—what will this mean for our communities?

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#VT #BudgetTransparency #FiscalResponsibility #VermontCommunity #PropertyTaxRelief

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5 months ago

VELCO says DOE smart‑valve grant will ease flows, but federal policy changes paused community benefits VELCO told the House committee it received a $13 million DOE GRIP grant to install a grid‑enhancing 'smart valve' on the PV‑20 Lake Champlain intertie to New York, expected in service mid‑2027. VELCO said a federal directive disallowed reimbursement for planned community benefits and DEI components, effectively pausing those activities, and flagged

VELCO's $13 million smart valve project promises enhanced grid reliability, but federal policy changes are putting community benefit initiatives on hold.

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#VT #CitizenPortal #GridResilience #CommunityBenefits #VermontCommunity #EnergyInnovation

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6 months ago

Mendon Traffic Committee Reviews Speed Limit Changes and Police Presence on US Route 4 Traffic committee discusses new speed limits on Route 4 and police enforcement issues.

The Rutland Selectboard's recent meeting revealed crucial changes in traffic safety that could reshape community dynamics, sparking a lively debate over speed limits and local recreation initiatives.

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#VT #CitizenPortal #CommunityRecreation #TrafficSafety #VermontCommunity

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8 months ago

Town Plans Celebration Featuring Pocket Park and Moonbrook Watershed Initiatives Town marks celebration for the pocket park and watershed efforts on August 23.

Excitement is building as Rutland prepares for a town-wide celebration on August 23, showcasing community projects and strengthening local connections!

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#VT #CitizenPortal #CommunityAppreciation #LocalEvents #CollaborationInitiatives #VermontCommunity

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9 months ago

Maple Run expands community programming through consolidated federal grant initiative Maple Run starts new program benefiting both Black Creek and Salem's Rec Center.

The Maple Run Unified School District is set to launch a game-changing federal grant program that promises to enhance community partnerships and enrich the educational experience for students!

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#VT #CitizenPortal #CommunityPartnerships #StudentSupport #VermontCommunity

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9 months ago

Vermont House debates House Bill 454 amid significant constituent opposition Member from Burlington highlights overwhelming public opposition to House Bill 454 during debate

Vermont lawmakers are facing an intense standoff over House Bill 454 as constituents flood their inboxes with cries for a "no" vote, revealing a striking divide between the chamber and the community.

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#VT #CivicEngagement #CitizenPortal #PublicEducation #VermontCommunity

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9 months ago

House adjourns due to lack of quorum until June 16 2025 House adjourns until June 16 2025 due to insufficient members present.

The Vermont Legislature has opened an urgent dialogue on education, healthcare, and sustainability, but a lack of quorum has forced them to adjourn until June 16, 2025.

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#VT #CitizenPortal #HealthcareAccess #ClimateAction #VermontCommunity #EducationFunding

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9 months ago

House adjourns until June 9, 2025 due to lack of quorum House stands adjourned until June 9, 2025 due to absence of quorum.

Vermont's Legislature is taking bold steps to transform public transportation, enhance education funding, and promote environmental sustainability – all aimed at enriching the lives of residents.

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#VT #CitizenPortal #PublicTransportation #VermontCommunity #EducationFunding

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10 months ago

Vermont community leaders emphasize solidarity during challenging times Leaders stress the importance of mutual support amidst growing challenges facing Vermont.

Vermont legislators are coming together in solidarity, emphasizing the power of community and collaboration to tackle the challenges ahead.

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#VT #CitizenPortal #VeteransHonor #VermontCommunity #PublicService #CivicUnity

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10 months ago

Vermont General Assembly honors Casella Waste Systems on 50th anniversary The General Assembly celebrates Casella Waste Systems' commitment to sustainability and community service.

The Vermont Legislature just honored Casella Waste Systems for 50 years of pioneering sustainability and community support—discover how this local company transformed waste management!

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#VT #CitizenPortal #LocalBusinesses #SustainabilityInitiatives #VermontCommunity

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10 months ago

South Burlington reviews TIF policy amid growth testimony and rulemaking discussions Committee evaluates TIF district impacts on growth and potential rulemaking adjustments.

Vermont's TIF District is experiencing a staggering 52% growth, while surrounding areas lag behind at just 1.2%—what's driving this economic boom?

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#VT #CitizenPortal #PolicyReform #UrbanGrowth #EconomicDevelopment #VermontCommunity

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10 months ago

Vermont establishes regional advisory councils to enhance community representation Vermont forms regional advisory councils for better community engagement and diversity representation.

Vermont is taking a bold step toward inclusivity by forming regional advisory councils that will amplify diverse community voices in housing assistance decisions!

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#VT #HousingAssistance #CitizenPortal #CommunityEngagement #DiversityRepresentation #VermontCommunity