During Thursday’s press conference, Governor Phil Scott, Human Services Secretary Jenney Samuelson, and Commerce and Community Development Secretary Lindsay Kurrle emphasized the importance of restricting eligibility for the Hotel/Motel program while safeguarding vulnerable populations, including children and individuals with serious medical issues. They also addressed the critical need for more affordable housing in Vermont. The governor vetoed the original Budget Adjustment Act on March 14, primarily due to concerns over the Hotel/Motel program. The House subsequently approved a revised BAA on March 21, which Scott stated did not resolve his initial concerns.
Treasurer Mike Pieciak announced on Thursday the formation of a Vermont Baby Bonds Advisory Committee. The Committee will convene local and national experts to support the development of a baby bonds pilot program in Vermont. In 2023, Treasurer Pieciak and legislative leaders brought forward a proposal to implement a baby bonds program in Vermont, which would have invested $3,200 for every Vermont child born on Medicaid. When the child reaches adulthood, they could access the funds for wealth-building activities like buying a home in Vermont, starting or investing in a local business, pursuing higher education or job training, or saving for retirement.
Vermont’s Secretary of State, Sarah Copeland Hanzas, has criticized President Donald Trump’s executive order aimed at reforming U.S. election law. The order mandates proof of citizenship for federal voting and invalidates mail-in ballots received after Election Day, threatening to withdraw federal funding from non-compliant states. Hanzas described the order as an unconstitutional overreach, stating it attempts to disenfranchise many voters and undermines the integrity of elections. She argued that it perpetuates unfounded election myths, creates substantial voting barriers, and represents an unprecedented federal authority overreach.
Vermont’s child welfare agency has requested a judge to dismiss a lawsuit claiming the state systematically targets pregnant women considered unfit for motherhood. The Department for Children and Families submitted this request on Monday, two months after a woman alleged that the state conducted a covert investigation during her pregnancy and gained custody of her daughter prior to the child’s birth. The lawsuit, initiated by the American Civil Liberties Union of Vermont and the Pregnancy Justice advocacy group, aims to terminate what it describes as an unlawful surveillance program and seeks unspecified damages for the woman, referred to by her initials, A.V. Additionally, the lawsuit names the hospital where she gave birth and a counseling center where she received treatment as defendants.
Employees at Ben & Jerry’s headquarters in South Burlington staged a walkout on Wednesday to protest actions by their parent company, Unilever. More than 40 employees participated in a silent demonstration advocating for the company’s independence to uphold its progressive social mission. This protest follows Unilever’s recent dismissal of CEO Dave Stever. Additionally, Ben & Jerry’s independent board filed a lawsuit against Unilever in November, alleging attempts to suppress the company’s pro-Palestinian activism.
Two residents of New Hampshire are facing shoplifting charges after stealing over $2,000 in merchandise from a sports store in West Springfield, Massachusetts. On Tuesday at 7:00 p.m., officers responded to a report of two individuals who had filled a black trash bag with items and fled the store. An undercover detective witnessed them exiting with the bag, and along with patrol officers and store loss prevention staff, apprehended them behind a nearby building. The bag contained $1,871.98 worth of stolen goods, along with cut security cables and a wire-cutting tool. One suspect, Sara Ann Frazier from Keene, was found wearing three stolen clothing items valued at an additional $375. The total value of the stolen merchandise amounted to $2,246.98. Frazier and Amanda Lyn Amer, also from Keene, were arrested and charged with: – Larceny Over $1,200. Possession of Burglarious Tools and Unlawful Removal of a Theft Detection Device
WTSA SPORTS FOR FRIDAY MARCH 28th 2025
REDSOX DEFEATED THE RANGERS YESTERDAY 5 – 2 IN THEIR SEASON OPENER. GAME 2 OF THEIR 3 GAME SERIES IS TONIGHT AT 8:05PM FIRST PITCH
THE YANKEES BEAT THE BREWERS YESTERDAY IN THEIR SEASON OPENER 4 – 2. GAME 2 IS SATURDAY AT 1:05PM,
THE BRUINS ARE BACK ON THE ICE SATURDAY IN DETROIT AGAINST THE REDWINGS, THEY DROP THE PUCK AT 8:00PM
THE CELTICS ARE IN SAN ANTONIO ON SATURDAY AGAINST THE SPURS TIP OFF AT 8PM.
NASCAR CUP SERIES THIS SUNDAY ITS THE COOK OUT 400 AT MARTINSVILLE SPEEDWAY IN VIRGINIA, RACE TIME AT 3PM