Vermonters will soon have a new choice for obtaining family and medical leave insurance from their employers. On Thursday, Governor Phil Scott revealed that the Vermont Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI) program will debut in February, with benefits starting in July. This optional program for employers is a collaboration between the state of Vermont and the Hartford, a company that specializes in benefits and leave management. The plans are flexible so employers can design plans to meet their needs.
Sen. Peter Welch is pushing for criminal justice reform and increased mental health funding. He recently attended a Senate hearing on the First Step Act, which he helped pass while in the House. Now, he is prioritizing addressing mental health and addiction in prisons. The Vermont congressional delegation also showed support for a federal plan to establish a residential reentry center in the state to offer mental health and substance abuse resources.
Vermont is renewing efforts for universal healthcare, after a previous attempt was halted due to cost concerns. Advocates and lawmakers argue that the law is still in place and necessary to address rising healthcare costs, including a 13% increase in Blue Cross Blue Shield premiums. The Universal Healthcare Caucus has been formed to push for progress on universal healthcare.
Keene police are investigating a crash at the intersection of Route 9 and Washington Street. One person was sent to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. Two vehicles were involved and the driver and passenger in one vehicle were taken for medical care. The passenger’s condition is critical. No injuries were reported for the people in the other vehicle. Witnesses are asked to contact the Keene Police Department at 603-357-9813
With only days until the New Hampshire primary, Nikki Haley urged supporters in Hollis to vote on Tuesday. Gov. Chris Sununu introduced her at the Alpine Grove event, praising her as a genuine person and good friend. Haley emphasized the importance of knowing people and declared her goal of putting an accountant in the White House. She also expressed concern over the country’s $34 trillion debt and vowed to veto any spending bill that doesn’t bring spending back to pre-pandemic levels.
The Red Cross is partnering with the Greenfield Mass Fire Department to give residents free fire alarms next month. On February 8th members of the Red Cross and Greenfield Mass Fire will be coming to pre-registered homes to install the alarms and educate homeowners on fire safety. They say if your home needs a farm alarm or if your current alarm is more than 10 years old, you are invited to register. You can sign up by calling the Greenfield Fire Department. Seven times a day someone in this country dies in a home fire. Smoke alarms save lives.
According to the Vermont State Lottery, a winning Powerball ticket was sold at a Price Chopper in Rutland for $2 million. The winning numbers for the ticket were 18, 22, 43, 61, 65, Power Ball of 2, and Power Play of 4. The person who won matched all five numbers with a Purchased Power Play. The next Powerball Drawing will be Saturday and is currently valued at $120 million for the jackpot.
WTSA SPORTS FOR FRIDAY JANUARY 19TH 2024
THE CELTICS ARE LOOKING FOR THEIR 4TH STRAIGHT WIN TONIGHT AGAINST THE DENVER NUGGETS, TIP OFF AT 730 TONIGHT.
IT WAS THE BRUINS OVER THE AVALANCHE YESTERDAY 5 – 2. THE BRUINS HAVE THE NIGHT OFF TONIGHT AND BACK ON THE ICE SATURDAY AGAINST THE CANADIANS. THE B’s ARE LOOKING FOR THEIR 4TH STRAIGHT WIN. THEY DROP THE PUCK AT 7PM ON SATURDAY.
IN THE NFL DIVISIONAL ROUND THIS SATURDAY IT’S THE TEXANS AND RAVENS AT 430 AND THE PACKERS 49ERS GAME AT 815 SATURDAY…SUNDAY THE BUCS AND LIONS AT 3PM AND THE CHIEFS AND BILLS AT 630PM ON SUNDAY.