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MONTPELIERÂ â Sen. Randy Brock was answering a question Tuesday morning about the Senate s version of H. 360, a bill setting the framework for building out universal high-speed broadband across Vermont, when his Zoom feed suddenly gave out and he disappeared from the Senate s virtual ranks. We have a broadband issue right here, right now, Lt. Gov. Molly Gray, the ex-officio Senate President, said.Â
Brock, R-Franklin, returned in plenty of time for the Senate to unanimously pass the bill, which proposes spending millions in federal aid to assure universal access to high-speed broadband for education, health, business and telecommuting. A formal third reading vote is set for Wednesday. Â
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Iâm back from a week as guest news editor of the Bennington Banner, and while Iâve been busy, the Legislature has been busier.
This weekâs to-do list for lawmakers is significant for the important issues theyâll be taking up this week, as well as their goal of adjourning by May 22.
Tuesday, the House Ways & Means Committee is expected to move along S. 13, the per-pupil weighting implementation study, with any changes it may have proposed to what the House Education Committee passed. Hereâs a quick link to testimony in front of the committee last week.
Fri, 05/07/2021 - 12:38pm tim
by Timothy McQuiston, Vermont Business Magazine Regular weekly unemployment claims continue to grow to their highest levels this year and remain at a very high level, as claimants were required to refile based on their annual eligibility. The Vermont Department of Labor has also reverted to call-in only for new claims, as the online system has been barraged by large numbers of fraudulent filings.
In addition, Commissioner Michael Harrington is urging the Legislature to change the law regarding how employers are charged to meet UI Trust Fund obligations (see his letter below).
The Vermont UI Trust Fund was well-stocked with over $500 million before the pandemic and is still flush with over $200 million. Despite the Stay Home order from a year ago and layoffs at their highest levels since the Great Depression because of the pandemic, current law would require a steep increase in employer charges because of those pandemic-related layoffs. At current l
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The finish line for the 2021 legislative session is in sight. So Look Ahead Vermont will take a slightly different approach, looking at the issues rather than the calendar.
Hereâs what remains to be done before the proposed adjournment date of Saturday, May 22. (Yes, that is a Saturday, and yes, I will be working if they are!)
BUDGET: The House and Senate have each passed their versions of a spending plan for fiscal 2022, and done so unanimously.
The next step, Speaker Jill Krowinski confirmed, is review of the Senate budget by the House Appropriations Committee.
Don t miss the big stories. Like us on Facebook.
The finish line for the 2021 legislative session is in sight. So Look Ahead Vermont will take a slightly different approach, looking at the issues rather than the calendar.
Hereâs what remains to be done before the proposed adjournment date of Saturday, May 22. (Yes, that is a Saturday, and yes, I will be working if they are!)
BUDGET: The House and Senate have each passed their versions of a spending plan for fiscal 2022, and done so unanimously.
The next step, Speaker Jill Krowinski confirmed, is review of the Senate budget by the House Appropriations Committee.