AGP Executive Report

Vermont Politics & Governance: Gov. Phil Scott is pushing a lean FY2028 budget, directing agencies to hold spending growth to about 1% to make room for unspecified tax relief. Higher Education & Environment: Massachusetts climate chief Melissa Hoffer will leave Healey’s administration to become president of Vermont Law and Graduate School, starting Dec. 1, 2026. Public Health: A new Vermont Youth Risk Behavior Survey finds teen mental health is improving statewide, with fewer students reporting poor mental health and lower vaping rates, though concerns remain high. Energy & Tech: Nomad’s transportable battery storage project in Vermont moves forward with U.S. DOE approval for phase 3, expanding grid-resilience work under a federal grant. Food & Waste Rules: Vermont regulators are drafting the first-wave rules for depackaging equipment used to recover more organics, aiming to boost recovery without contaminating compost and digesters. Local Economy & Community: Landmark College has bought 264 acres to expand its campus footprint, and the college says there are no immediate plans for the new land. Arts & Culture: Shelburne Museum will host Norman Rockwell Day on Sept. 26 with curator-led tours, artmaking, and a talk on Rockwell’s photography.

U.S.-Canada Tensions: President Trump signed an executive order renaming Lake Ontario “Lake America,” a move Canada and New York Gov. Kathy Hochul immediately rejected, even as the order directs federal agencies to update maps and records. Vermont Politics: Rep. Gina Galfetti announced her bid for Vermont House speaker, aiming to make the Legislature run “more efficiently and effectively” as Democrats hold a strong majority. Meta Settlement: Vermont is set to receive $92.7 million from Meta as part of a multistate deal tied to youth social media addiction claims, with new restrictions on teen safety features. Healthcare Labor: Hundreds of healthcare workers rallied at UVM Medical Center outpatient sites over an expired contract, alleging proposals would weaken safe staffing and job protections. Elections & Voting Access: Vermont joined a lawsuit challenging a USPS mail-in ballot rule, arguing it improperly inserts the postal service into state-run elections. Public Safety: A Vermont State Police crash report details a fatal motorcycle crash on Route 7 in Ferrisburgh, with charges including DUI with death resulting. Research: UVM researchers helped publish a Nature study on how bat genes support longevity, immunity, and cancer resistance.

Meta Settlement for Vermont Teens: Vermont is set to receive $92.7 million from Meta in a nationwide youth mental health deal, with new protections for users under 18 including daily time limits and nighttime restrictions. Vermont Health Policy Fight: Vermont and other states are challenging new federal Title X conditions that would force providers to drop nondiscrimination protections and follow politically driven rules. USPS Vote-by-Mail Lawsuits: Vermont officials are among states pushing back in court over USPS rules aimed at reshaping how mail ballots are handled. Snow Research Funding: UVM and partners won $5.9 million from the National Science Foundation to build a real-time snowpack monitoring system across Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine, linking winter weather to the outdoor economy. Local Business & Community: Burlington’s “working-man’s bar” Esox closed after nearly 50 years; Central Vermont Home Health & Hospice added new board members. Food Safety Recall: Frozen buffalo chicken products were recalled after being produced without federal inspection, with distribution including Vermont.

Meta Settlement: Vermont is guaranteed at least $92.7 million from a landmark Meta child-safety deal, with the state attorney general saying the amount could rise to $127 million depending on other companies’ agreements. Mail-in Voting Fight: Democratic-led states and voting groups are re-filing lawsuits to block a new USPS rule tied to the Trump administration’s mail-voting push, arguing it could disenfranchise voters and exceed USPS authority. USPS Service Complaints: Vermonters say unreliable deliveries are leaving them “in the dark,” with Vermont’s congressional delegation reporting more than 2,000 complaints this year. Vehicle Inspections: Vermont’s inspection rules loosen next month, removing failures for issues like rotor rust, certain tire cuts, windshield cracks, and some ABS/airbag light problems. Lake Champlain Protection: UVM Extension is expanding its “Test & Protect” soil-sampling effort, adding kits to libraries across the Lake Champlain Basin. Local Economy & Trade: Jay Peak Resort is telling Canadians “you are our friends” as U.S.-Canada tariff tensions continue to ripple through northern Vermont. Food Safety: Nearly 25,000 pounds of frozen buffalo chicken products are recalled after an inspection lapse, with distribution including Vermont.

Meta Child-Safety Settlement: Vermont will receive $92.7 million from Meta as part of a landmark $17.1 billion multistate deal over allegedly addictive Instagram and Facebook design for kids, with major new limits including improved age checks, a two-hour daily cap, and overnight/school-hour restrictions. Courts & Mental Health: Vermont Chief Justice Paul Reiber has been named to lead a national task force focused on improving state court responses to people with serious mental illness. Voting Rights Fight: Vermont and other states are challenging USPS rules tied to vote-by-mail, arguing the Postal Service can’t override state election control and that the changes risk disenfranchising eligible voters. Social Security: Lawmakers are floating a plan to protect Social Security benefits from a projected cut by setting up a bipartisan process to draft legislation to keep the program solvent for at least 50 years. Vermont Research & Economy: UVM is leading an NSF-funded $5.9 million effort to study snow and winter weather and connect it to the region’s outdoor recreation economy. Local Politics: The Vermont Progressive Party chair resigned after less than a year, leaving the party without a public figurehead during a busy election stretch.

Mail-in Voting Fight: Vermont officials weighed in after the U.S. Supreme Court decision that could let the Trump administration restrict mailed ballots, with Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas saying the federal government has no business telling states how to run elections. Voter Roll Cleanup: Vermont also removed about 900 people from voter rolls after an administrative error at the DMV; officials said none voted. UVM Affordability & Budget: UVM President Marlene Tromp said the university closed a projected $12 million deficit and announced the UVM Promise tuition-free expansion for Vermont families up to $125,000 starting fall 2027. Career Center Bond: Central Vermont Career Center board members set up a November vote on a $55 million bond for expansion plans. Health Insurance Help: Vermont’s Department of Financial Regulation launched a campaign to explain required coverage for reproductive, preventive, and telehealth services and how to file complaints. Northern Maine Power: Maine regulators selected CMP/Avangrid for a transmission line and Clearway Energy for an 800-megawatt wind project, aiming to move more clean power to the New England grid. Data Center Backlash: Trump backed new AI data centers, while Vermont’s political debate mirrors broader concerns about power and water use.

Local Business Spotlight: Manchester’s new “corner bodega” Superette is opening a small, curated market with wine, pasta, and wellness goods—no junk-food vibe, just quality shelves. State Politics & Federal Oversight: Sen. Peter Welch is demanding answers from DHS over a $464M no-bid luxury jet contract tied to a Trump ally, raising pay-to-play and kickback questions. Public Safety & Infrastructure: Vermont’s VELCO names José Sebastiao COO as the grid faces continued investment and change. Health Watch: A new 50-state analysis says Vermont has the 7th-highest cervical cancer death rate in the U.S., far above the national median. Housing Reality Check: Vermont ranks among the highest for vacant homes—about 1 in 5—highlighting why affordability still feels tight. Tech & Work: VMEC appoints Chris Coulter to expand partnerships for Vermont manufacturers, while KnowledgeWave rolls out an AI enablement program for Microsoft Copilot adoption. Community & Culture: Cathedral Square gets a $20,000 boost from Charlotte Congregational Church to support its Housing Incentive Program.

Homelessness & Public Safety: Burlington City Council unanimously approved a resolution urging Gov. Phil Scott to help expand shelter capacity, extend hotel housing, reverse mental health cuts, and add state law enforcement support, including a proposed 100-bed low-barrier year-round shelter in Chittenden County. Healthcare Policy Debate: A Vermont editorial and reader response renewed the push for universal healthcare, citing a Yale study that claims Medicare-for-all could save more than 100,000 lives annually and cut costs. Economy Watch: Vermont’s unemployment rate held steady at 2.6% in July, according to the state Department of Labor. Schools & Staffing: Central Vermont districts are still dealing with leadership turnover and transportation staffing gaps, with some Mill River routes canceled temporarily due to bus driver shortages. Cannabis Regulation: New federal rules on hemp and related products are expected to ripple through Vermont’s cannabis industry. Public Health Research: Dartmouth Health researchers reported alpha-gal syndrome may add risk for certain patients receiving blood plasma or platelet transfusions. Community & Recovery: Turning Point Center of Central Vermont announced a Sept. 15 grand opening for a new recovery center in Barre.

Medical Education Costs: A new analysis says commercial insurers paid more than half of Vermont’s medical education bill, with about $82 million of $161 million for UVM Medical Center programs last year—raising questions about how much insured Vermonters should cover and how transparent the funding should be. Veterans Care Expansion: The VA signed a 20-year lease for a new outpatient clinic in South Burlington, aiming to replace Burlington services and expand access for thousands more northwestern Vermont veterans by 2030. Public Health & Recovery: Turning Point Center of Central Vermont announced a Sept. 15 grand opening for a new Recovery Center in Barre to expand peer recovery support. Community & Food Security: Sunset Lake Cannabis in South Hero donated $2,500 to the Vermont Foodbank, expected to provide about $24,000 in groceries. Local Governance & Connectivity: Vital Communities is extending its deadline to keep town listservs running after community pushback. Energy & Policy: Vermont joined other New England governors opposing a proposed NextEra–Dominion utility merger, warning it would concentrate too much leverage. Gas Prices: Vermont’s average gas price rose to about $4.14 per gallon, up slightly from last week.

US-Canada Trade: The collapse of U.S.-Canada trade talks is already reshaping prices and politics, with 50% U.S. tariffs taking effect on Canadian goods after Prime Minister Mark Carney walked away. Postal Service: Vermont’s congressional delegation is pressing USPS to fix persistent delivery shortfalls, citing thousands of constituent complaints and weeks where some areas get little or no mail. School Construction Delays: A Vermont school district’s rebuild plan faces added costs and uncertainty as state approval rules lag, with a new report estimating taxpayer impact from the delay. Public Power Leadership: Vermont Public Power Supply Authority GM Ken Nolan was elected president of the Northeast Public Power Association, highlighting shared regional energy and reliability challenges. Community & Health: A Salisbury turtle trapping event brought families outdoors for hands-on wildlife research, while a new recovery center in Barre is set to open to expand peer support for people and families affected by substance use. Business & Grants: Vermont’s Building Communities’ Grants are open for up to $25,000 in capital projects, and Navy Week in Burlington will connect small businesses to federal contracting opportunities.

Vermont Politics & Policy: Vermont’s cellphone ban in schools kicks in this year, with districts required to adopt at least as-restrictive policies as the state model. Health Care Costs: A new analysis says commercial insurers are paying more than half the bill for UVM Medical Center’s physician training—about $82 million out of $161 million last year—raising calls for clearer, more transparent funding. Housing & Finance: A Vermont housing piece argues the state’s bottleneck isn’t just building homes, but financing them, pointing to Invest in Vermont low-interest support as a key tool for workforce projects. Trade & Tariffs: U.S. lawmakers warn the collapse of Canada talks and new 50% tariffs could push up prices and disrupt cross-border business for Vermont and other northern states. Community & Nonprofits: The Vermont Veterans Home in Bennington is dealing with vandalism that defaced honor roll displays; volunteers mobilized to clean up. Local Business/Events: Shelburne Museum plans a Norman Rockwell Day Sept. 26 with curator-led tours and artmaking, and Southern Vermont’s Garlic Town USA returns Sept. 5 in Bennington.

Vermont Housing & Health Policy: Vermont has launched a website to help Medicaid recipients prepare for major eligibility and renewal changes starting Oct. 1 and Jan. 1, including limits for some noncitizens and new “work, volunteering, community service, and/or education” requirements for certain adults. Public Safety Funding Fight: Vermont’s Attorney General Tong joined a multistate coalition suing the Trump administration over illegal immigration-enforcement conditions attached to federal law-enforcement grants, arguing the move threatens public safety funding. Energy Costs Watch: With heating oil prices still volatile, Vermonters are renewing price-cap plans and bracing for winter as benchmark prices near spring highs. Cancer Research: A new melanoma vaccine in development could be especially relevant for Vermont, which has the nation’s second-highest melanoma rate per capita, though availability is expected in 2027. Local Business & Community: Veerio launched a Chittenden County pilot to centralize local event discovery, aiming to replace scattered flyers and outdated calendars. Arts & Events: Shelburne Museum announced a Norman Rockwell Day on Sept. 26 with curator tours, artmaking, and a lecture on Rockwell’s photography.

Medicaid Changes in Vermont: Vermont’s Department of Health Access says Medicaid rules will shift in phases—starting Oct. 1 for certain immigrant categories, and Jan. 1 for work requirements and renewals for some adults ages 19–64, with exemptions for pregnancy, recent postpartum, and people eligible for Medicare. USPS Service Pressure: Sen. Peter Welch, Sen. Bernie Sanders, and Rep. Becca Balint say they’ve received 2,000+ Vermont mail complaints and are pressing the postmaster general for answers on delivery problems. Cancer Research: A new melanoma vaccine in development could be especially relevant for Vermont, which has the nation’s second-highest melanoma rate; UVM Medical Center says it may help explain why rates are so high, with potential availability in 2027. Nature Conservation: The Nature Conservancy awarded nearly $400,000 to help keep Vermont habitats connected for species moving north as climate change reshapes ranges. Local Governance & Community: Vermont’s Medicaid outreach site, Rutland’s birdseed-littering ordinance fight, and a planned reopening of Burlington’s Ninth Street road closures all show how policy and enforcement play out on the ground.

Food Safety: The FDA is tracking a widening cyclosporiasis-linked lettuce recall, with affected products potentially distributed in Vermont and several other states and jurisdictions. Consumer Alerts: The FDA also issued a recall of Boston Bruins–branded Power Play Fudge ice cream sold in Maine, Massachusetts, and Vermont after reports of possible rubber pieces. Public Health & Data: Vermont’s attorney general says a June data breach at AdaptHealth exposed information for more than 48,000 Vermonters. Local Economy: Vermont’s unemployment rate held steady at 2.6% in July, with county rates ranging from 2.3% to 3.1%. Politics: Sen. Bernie Sanders endorsed Florida Democrat Angie Nixon for U.S. Senate, setting up a tough general-election fight against incumbent Ashley Moody. Community & Culture: Bennington’s Garlic Town USA returns Sept. 5 for its 31st anniversary with expanded chef demos and family programming. Housing & Recovery: Turning Point Center of Central Vermont announced a Sept. 15 grand opening for a new recovery center in Barre.

St. Albans Creamery Fight: A federal judge lifted a temporary restraining order, letting DFA move ahead with plans to largely shut down its milk processing plant, while workers and Teamsters argue it’s retaliatory after a strike. Housing & Money: Vermont leaders are still wrestling with how to finance workforce housing, with state-backed low-interest tools like Invest in Vermont highlighted as key to making projects pencil out. Broadband Funding Worry: Vermont schools and libraries are bracing for possible changes to the FCC’s E-Rate program, which could force districts to cut other services if subsidies shrink. Local Community Health: Turning Point Center of Central Vermont announced a Sept. 15 grand opening for a new recovery center in Barre, expanding peer support for people and families affected by substance use. Business & Community Events: The Vermont APEX Accelerator is hosting Navy Week in Burlington Aug. 26 to connect small businesses with federal contracting opportunities. Climate & Working Lands: Northeast Kingdom groups warn that a New York mill stopping pulpwood intake could ripple through Vermont’s logging economy and Current Use.

Recovery & Health: Turning Point Center of Central Vermont announced a Sept. 15 grand opening for a new recovery center in Barre, expanding peer recovery support for people and families affected by substance use. Leadership Change: Mercy Connections says longtime executive director Lisa Falcone is retiring after eight years, citing major growth and a recent $1.5 million multi-year grant. Housing & Financing: A Vermont workforce housing push in Brattleboro highlights how state-backed low-interest financing through Invest in Vermont can help projects pencil out when borrowing costs stall construction. Community Events & Business Support: The Burlington Business Association is shutting down after nearly 50 years, with the Lake Champlain Chamber moving to create a new downtown business alliance division. Public Safety: State Farm’s Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program will send $10,000 grants to four Vermont volunteer fire departments for responder equipment. Education & Costs: The Green Mountain Care Board set 2027 premium increases on Vermont Health Connect—ranging from about 1% to 6% depending on insurer and plan type. Student Loans: A guide explains what to know about state-backed student loans as federal graduate limits tighten. Local Economy & Culture: Veerio launched a pilot app in Chittenden County to centralize local event listings for residents and visitors. Food Security: An Appalachian Trail fundraiser in Manchester says it hit its $5,000 goal for the Community Food Cupboard.