Vermont House Committee on Government Operations - Walkthrough of S.55 Update to Open Meeting Law - 04/12/2024

Walkthrough of S.55 Update to Open Meeting Law at the House Committee on Government Operations.

On Friday, the committee continued discussing S.55 - they had a walkthrough of Draft 1.3 of the bill from legislative counsel. A list of items changed/added in this draft are below:

  • Added Hybrid Meeting definition
  • Added Undue Hardship definition
  • Defining Requests for access (who can ask, when they have to ask by, what undue hardship entails)
  • Secretary of State providing training
  • Adding threat of death or serious bodily injury to Local Incident
  • Added requirement of posting recorded meetings within 24 hours
  • Updated the Bill name to reflect the true intentions of the bill 

S.55: Draft 1.3:
https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2024/WorkGroups/House%20Government%20Operations/Bills/S.55/Drafts,%20Amendents,%20and%20Legal%20Documents/S.55~Tim%20Devlin~%20Draft%201.3,%204-11-2024~4-12-2024.pdf

Vermont Senate Committee on Appropriations - Discussion of VAN FY25 Request - 04/12/2024

Discussion of VAN FY25 Request at the Senate Committee on Appropriations.

On Friday, this was further confirmed as base when it appeared on the Senate Appropriations’s working list of onetime appropriations, it can be found on line 19 where it indicates VAN’s funding has been moved to the base. Also on Friday, Chair Kitchel said the streaming tax in S.181 is non-negotiable if the committee wants revenue and that they need to fund implementation.

Shoot the Breeze: Finale - 04/12/2024

In the final installment of "Shoot the Breeze", join Gwen and Fiona as they take a nostalgic trip down memory lane and reflect on their transformative journey through the internship program. From day one to the bittersweet farewell, hosts Gwen and Fiona share candid insights, hard-earned lessons, and unforgettable memories from their time as interns.
Tune in as they delve into what they've learned, both professionally and personally, during their time in the program. From mastering new skills to navigating office dynamics, they'll offer valuable takeaways and reflections that are sure to resonate with interns and professionals alike.


But it's not all serious reflection – prepare for a dose of laughter and camaraderie as they reminisce about the challenges they faced and the funny, heartwarming moments that brought them closer together. From office culture to team outings, they'll share the stories that made their internship experience truly unforgettable.
Whether you're a fellow intern, a mentor, or simply curious about the inner workings of the professional world, "Shoot the Breeze: Finale" offers a heartfelt conclusion to two interns' adventure. Join Gwen and Fiona as they bid farewell to this chapter of their lives and embrace the exciting possibilities that lie ahead.

Why the Middle East Will Always Matter - 04/12/2024

Presented by Peter Henne, PhD, Professor, Department of Political Science and Global and Regional Studies Program, Director of Middle East Studies Program, UVM.

For more information visit: eeevermont.org

Vermont Senate Committee on Finance - Testimony of H.657 Modernize Vermont’s Communications Taxes and Fees - 04/12/2024

Testimony of H.657 a bill meant to modernize Vermont's communications taxes and fees at the Senate Committee on Finance.

On Friday,  the committee continued testimony on the bill on and off throughout the afternoon.

H.657: As Passed by the House:
https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2024/WorkGroups/Senate%20Finance/Bills/H.657/Drafts,%20Amendments,%20Other%20Legal%20Documents/H.657~Maria%20Royle~As%20Passed%20by%20the%20House~4-10-2024.pdf

Vermont Senate Committee on Appropriations - Discussion of VAN FY25 Request - 04/11/2024

Discussion of VAN FY25 Request at the Senate Committee on Appropriations.

On Thursday, the committee agreed to VAN’s $1million in base.

How To Get Help When You Are Struggling With Difficult Feelings - Spanish - 04/11/2024

Vermont Language Justice Project presents information about how to get help from the Center for Health and Learning when you are having difficult feelings.

For more info on the VLJP: vtlanguagejustice.org

To view all VLJP videos: youtube.com/channel/UC3zjPpeFnXqvESr1y3d4DvQ

How To Get Help When You Are Struggling With Difficult Feelings - Swahili - 04/11/2024

Vermont Language Justice Project presents information about how to get help from the Center for Health and Learning when you are having difficult feelings.

For more info on the VLJP: vtlanguagejustice.org

To view all VLJP videos: youtube.com/channel/UC3zjPpeFnXqvESr1y3d4DvQ

Junior League of Champlain Valley & the Little Black Flannel Initiative - 04/11/2024

Olivia Taylor, Vice President of Philanthropy, and Sarah Aceves, President, from the Junior League of Champlain Valley discuss the Little Black Flannel Initiative happening on April 14-20th.

Learn more at: https://www.champlainvalley.jl.org

How To Get Help When You Are Struggling With Difficult Feelings - English - 04/11/2024

Vermont Language Justice Project presents information about how to get help from the Center for Health and Learning when you are having difficult feelings.

For more info on the VLJP: vtlanguagejustice.org

To view all VLJP videos: youtube.com/channel/UC3zjPpeFnXqvESr1y3d4DvQ

Essex Junction City Update - 04/10/2024

The City Manager reports for the Essex Junction City Council - www.essexjunction.org/boards/city-council

Press Conference - Impact of the Eclipse - 04/10/2024

From the Office of Governor Scott:

Governor Phil Scott and Administration officials hold their weekly press conference.

Williston Town Update - 04/10/2024

The Town Manager reports for the Williston Selectboard. - Town.Williston.vt.us.

Featured Story

CCTV Receives NEH Grant to Support Community Archives

CCTV Center for Media & Democracy is pleased to announce receipt of a National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) Humanities Collections and Reference Resources grant alongside 32 peer archival institutions across the country. This $49,927 grant award will support efforts to preserve and expand access to audio/visual community history materials in the CCTV Archives. Read more about this opportunity here!

Read more...

More News from the Center for Media and Democracy