Vermont Habitat for Humanity spends a day at the State House
A resolution by the Vermont Legislature designated April 7 as Vermont Habitat for Humanity Affiliates Day at the Statehouse, recognizing that Habitat for Humanity has been building housing for affordable homeownership opportunities for income-sensitive Vermonters for the last 39 years.
LETTER: Student anti-racism activists urge support for anti-discrimination bill
Students across the state and in our schools face racism, ableism, sexism, and other inequalities daily throughout their educational journey. We believe that the provision which would include students under the harassment protections is an extremely vital part of this bill, and needs to be included for it to pass.
Manager’s corner: A new quarterly column from Waterbury’s municipal manager
Waterbury Municipal Manager Tom Leitz looks to write quarterly updates to local residents on important happenings in our local government. This is his first installment.
LETTER: Looking forward to LEAP Energy Fair 2024
To the Community: I just wanted to say a big thank you to the LEAP Energy Fair organizers for pulling together such a great event in Waterbury last Saturday!
Op-Ed: Wildlife conservation depends on regulated trapping
Wildlife conservation is complicated. In Vermont, that complexity is front and center in recent conversations around regulated trapping. Although this topic deserves Vermonters’ careful consideration, I worry that some are losing sight of the conservation benefits that regulated trapping provides.
Op-Ed: The Affordable Heat Act is not the climate action we need
The bill S.5 referred to as the Affordable Heat Act would be a major step back for climate action in Vermont.
OPINION: The state must address hunger, food insecurity in Vermont
The state cannot make up for $6.5 million per month in federal food benefits, but it can support the Vermont Foodbank’s network of food shelves, food pantries, and meal sites with an appropriation of $3 million in the FY24 budget this legislative session.
HUUSD: Yes, you can and should ban seclusion
Seclusion is never an appropriate intervention and should be banned from the district in the new policy.
LETTER: Safe schools for all students
The subcommittee’s efforts are commendable and they were able to include language in the policy to ban dangerous prone and supine restraints, but the policy continues to permit seclusion, a harmful practice with permanent mental health trauma.
LETTER: In support of libraries with books
As members of the Vermont Antiquarian Booksellers Association, we have dedicated a portion of our lives to the care of used and rare books.
COMMENTARY: As the planet heats up, there’s opportunity to Keep Vermont Cool
While Vermont has a powerful reputation for a healthy, clean environment, there's a dirty secret that’s often kept in hiding. In recent years, Vermont has significantly trailed behind its surrounding neighbors in reducing its carbon emissions and continues to stall when it comes to innovative, cost-effective measures to combat the climate crisis
OPINION: For affordability, equity and climate, the Affordable Heat Act is essential
When it comes to home heating, we simply cannot afford the status quo.
LETTER: Ban the use of seclusion in our schools
Harwood Unified Union School District’s proposed Restraint and Seclusion policy bans the use of prone restraints and supine restraints. The policy does NOT ban seclusion beyond restrictions already in place through state Rule 4500.
Rep. Wood: A ‘deep dive’ into childcare, Pre-K
The month of April will largely be devoted to working on the issue of affordable, accessible and high-quality early care and learning – a.k.a. childcare and Pre-K. The Senate passed bill S.56 which provides a path forward to achieve this goal and now it’s up to the House to further refine, amend, and consider the complicated issue outlined in the legislation.
LETTER: Deadline for Stowe Street Alley art designs extended to May 8
The search is still on for the artist or artists who can help transform Stowe Street Alley in Waterbury from abandoned eyesore to welcoming environment.
Rep. Stevens: Spotlight on three bills headed to the Senate
It was an extremely busy week on the floor of the House. Called “Crossover Week,” we considered a number of bills that are priorities for this session. Bills passed by the House at this point head to the Senate for their consideration, and we will receive bills from the Senate for our consideration as we head into the last third of the session.
LETTER: Start with banning assault weapons
To the Community - while state legislatures across the country create laws to prohibit drag queen story hours, and the teaching of critical race theory, and “wokeness,” and the banning of books, our children continue to die in school shootings.
COMMENTARY: SBA supports women-owned businesses
During Women’s History Month, we have the opportunity to recognize the profound impact women make in every facet of our lives, community, and history.
LETTER: Mad River Glen, ‘an example of true American exceptionalism’
To the Community: Thanks to David Goodman for his tribute to Mad River Glen’s Betsy Pratt, “Remembering Mad River Glen founder Betsy Pratt,” (Waterbury Roundabout, March, 19).
LETTER: FORWARD kicks in $2,500 for ambulance station project
Considering recent media coverage regarding the challenges faced by Emergency Medical Services across the state of Vermont, the Waterbury FORWARD organization is delighted to present Waterbury Ambulance Service Inc. with a grant of $2,500.