State News

The seventh annual Way to Go! Commuter Challenge kicks off on May 13th, and it’s generating a lot of excitement. So far, 130 businesses have signed up to participate, and more than 1,500 commuters are pledged to take part. In addition, Governor Shumlin has officially proclaimed May 13th-17th as “Way to Go! Week” in Vermont to voice his support for the effort, which saves money while reducing air pollution and congestion on the state’s roads.

The challenge is designed to raise awareness of transportation options among commuters by encouraging them to travel in ways other than driving alone. Participants pledge to take the bus, bike, walk, carpool, car share, or telecommute during the week of the challenge, and become eligible to win a variety of prizes, including gym memberships, ski passes, hotel stays, transit passes, and much more.

There was a tornado vortex in Southwestern Vermont today.

Vermonters won’t have that nasty Federal Budget Sequester to worry about much longer! We’re going to legalize and tax the heck out of marijuana sold to adults age 21 and over!  That makes good budget sense!
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House Bill 499, An Act Relating to Regulation and Taxation of Marijuana.

Introduced by Representatives Davis of Washington,  Deen of Westminster, Masland of Thetford,  Stevens of Shoreham, and Zagar of Barnard.

Statement of purpose of bill as introduced:

Here’s a handy guide to expected changes and cuts in Vermont due to sequestration going into effect today, courtesy of the White House.

VERMONT IMPACTS

“If sequestration were to take effect, some examples of the impacts on Vermont this year alone are:

Teachers and Schools: Vermont will lose approximately $1,128,000 in funding for primary and secondary education, putting around 20 teacher and aide jobs at risk. In addition about 2,000 fewer students would be served and approximately 10 fewer schools would receive funding.

Need a job? Can you “review and assess impingement mortality plans and entrainment mortality studies?” Do you have expertise on “CWIS technology and engineering, nuclear engineering and CWIS technical feasibility?” If so, you should consider the following bid opportunity from the State of Vermont:

3 Vermont State Senators – Senators Hartwell, Benning and Galbraith – Will Participate

GRAFTON, VT—With growing concern about the negative and destructive environmental impacts of a possible large-scale industrial wind development, Friends of Grafton’s Heritage has invited legislators and residents of towns with wind turbines to discuss the issues and personal after effects.