AGP Executive Report

Vermont Politics & Labor: Vermont Democrats rallied in Burlington for Proposal 3, which would amend the state constitution to guarantee workers the right to join unions and collectively bargain, with supporters arguing it protects jobs and sets labor rights in the constitution rather than leaving them to lawmakers. Energy & Industry: GlobalFoundries says it has brought about 6MW of new solar and a 16MW battery storage system into operation at its Essex Junction site, aiming to improve energy resilience and manage costs while supporting the local grid. Health & Community: Vermont health officials report COVID hospitalizations remain scarce, with outbreaks still rare as other viruses like norovirus and enterovirus D68 show more activity. Local Business & Services: Rock Point School in Burlington is hosting the Ooky Spooky 5K on Oct. 24 to raise funds for COTS, supporting people experiencing homelessness. Environment & Research: UVM researchers report new findings on thiamine and lake trout recovery in Lake Champlain, exploring whether embryos can build up vitamin B1 in the wild. EV & Infrastructure: A new Vermont-focused EV and charging snapshot shows EVs at 5.55% of new light-duty sales in Q2 2026, with Vermont ranking 24th in EV market share and a lower EV-to-public-charger ratio than the national average.

Vermont Youth Justice: A new Vermont report finds relatively low reconviction rates for teens affected by the state’s “Raise the Age” law, with 6.9% reconvicted after one year and 18.7% after three years, though researchers note key caveats. State Politics & Elections: Vermont Public is releasing transcripts from interviews with candidates for secretary of state and attorney general ahead of the Nov. 3 election, including incumbent Sarah Copeland Hanzas and AG Charity Clark. Food Assistance Deadline: Summer EBT benefits for eligible Vermont families expire Saturday, Oct. 10, with officials urging families to use the $120-per-child monthly benefits before they lapse. Local Business & Health: Float Away Wellness Spa announced a partnership with UVM Athletics, bringing floatation and vibroacoustic therapy to student-athletes; meanwhile, Rutland Regional Medical Center will debut the da Vinci 5 surgical system Oct. 10. Agriculture & Rural Life: NRCS Vermont and the Orleans County Natural Resources Conservation District are hosting a free bedded pack manure management workshop Oct. 29 in Greensboro. National Policy Watch: The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments in Suncor v. Boulder, a major climate-damages case that could shape how states and cities sue energy companies.

Vermont PFAS Research: A nearly $8 million, four-year NSF-funded effort is bringing Middlebury, Bennington, Landmark, and UVM together to study how “forever chemicals” move through Vermont’s water, wildlife, and food. Climate Court Fight: The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments in Suncor v. Boulder, with justices appearing skeptical of whether energy companies can be hit with billions in local climate-damage lawsuits. Local Economy Snapshot: A new look at 2026 GDP growth shows Vermont at 2.7% annualized growth in Q2, ranking mid-pack nationally. Food Safety Alert: The FDA announced a recall of Stewart’s Shops ice cream in New York, Vermont, and New Hampshire after a metal object was found in cartons; no injuries reported. Community & Health Grants: NorthCountry Federal Credit Union awarded Central Vermont Home Health & Hospice a $7,200 grant to support adult home healthcare. Education & Access: Vermont’s Farm to School CSA grant applications are open, offering $150,000 to bring local food to early learners.

Medicare Costs: The Trump administration says it will send one-time $90 premium rebate payments to more than 20 million seniors enrolled in Medicare Part B in October, funded through a $2 billion Medicare Improvement Fund. Heating Bills: Heating oil prices are expected to jump about 50% this winter, adding nearly $900 to the average household, with 4.8 million U.S. homes relying on oil—especially in the Northeast and Alaska. Vermont Politics & Governance: Gov. Phil Scott announced new administration appointments, including Nick Kramer as deputy commissioner of the Department of Human Resources and Shabnam Nolan as deputy secretary of the Agency of Human Services. Election Focus: NBC5 In Depth looks at Vermont and North Country races heading into November, with affordability, housing, health care, taxes and energy costs driving voter attention. Local Business & Community: Float Away Wellness Spa partnered with UVM Athletics to bring floatation therapy to student-athletes, and NorthCountry Federal Credit Union awarded Central Vermont Home Health & Hospice a $7,200 grant for its Adult Home Healthcare program. Agriculture & Food: NRCS Vermont and the Orleans County Natural Resources Conservation District will host a free bedded pack manure management workshop Oct. 29 at Bartlett Family Farm in Greensboro.

Medicare & health care: Open enrollment for Medicare starts Oct. 15, with Medicare Advantage premiums projected to fall about 16% in 2027—while critics warn about narrower coverage and past overpayments. Privacy & policing: A federal judge ruled a Tulsa deputy violated a woman’s Fourth Amendment rights by using Flock Safety to check a license plate without a warrant, calling the practice “indiscriminate mass surveillance.” Vermont justice & youth: A new Vermont study finds 18-year-olds handled in family court are less likely to reoffend than those processed in adult criminal court, supporting “raise the age” next steps. Housing & community: Vermont’s Roman Catholic Diocese is seeking to dismiss its 2-year-old bankruptcy case, as communities debate what comes next for struggling institutions. Energy & costs: Heating oil prices are expected to jump sharply this winter, adding hundreds to bills for households that rely on oil. Local business & services: Grants and partnerships are boosting Vermont health and community programs, including home healthcare support and student resources.

Privacy & Courts: A federal judge ruled a Tulsa deputy violated a woman’s Fourth Amendment rights by using Flock Safety to check a license plate without a warrant, calling it “indiscriminate mass surveillance.” Border Searches: The 2nd Circuit also ruled Vermont’s border agents can search travelers’ phones without suspicion. Politics & Surveillance: Bernie Sanders and AOC pushed the “Ban Flock Act,” aiming to block federal use of automatic license plate readers and limit data retention. Healthcare Access: A landmark Medicaid study finds kids’ sleep testing varies wildly by location, with some states seeing rates up to four times higher. Vermont Life & Economy: Stowe’s peak fall foliage is drawing visitors and boosting local businesses. Sports: Otter Valley shut out Windsor 10-0. Business/Community: UVM Athletics partnered with Float Away Wellness Spa for floatation therapy; VAHHS volunteers supported North Country Career Center’s personal care closet and community fridge.

Privacy & surveillance: Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez push the “Ban Flock Act,” aiming to block federal use of automatic license plate readers and curb access to location data tied to systems used by local police and private firms. Health care costs: ACA marketplace plan selections fell 4.9% as premiums rose 19.7%, with more shoppers gravitating to cheaper coverage tiers. Consumer watchdog: Lawmakers, including Vermont Rep. Becca Balint, are calling for FTC action after a Guardian investigation found 7-Eleven and Circle K sometimes charge more than advertised prices. Local business & community: Float Away Wellness Spa announced a partnership with UVM Athletics to bring floatation therapy to student-athletes, while VAHHS members supported North Country Career Center’s personal care closet and community fridge. Vermont history & culture: The Vermont Historical Society acquired Big Heavy World’s music collection, preserving decades of Vermont-recorded interviews, radio shows, recordings and performances. Public safety & youth justice: A new Vermont study finds 18-year-olds handled in family court were less likely to be charged again than those processed in adult criminal court.

Vermont Politics: Gov. Phil Scott asked President Trump to raise Vermont’s refugee admissions, saying the state can resettle about 125 refugees now and has capacity for up to 300 fully vetted people. Elections & Campaigns: The race for Vermont governor is tightening: Amanda Janoo outraised Scott in September and is nearly level on cash on hand, while a separate report shows Scott still leading in polling. Public Safety & Privacy: The Slate Valley Unified School District says it refused a ransom after a cyberattack compromised staff records and business documents; the district is working with law enforcement and notifying affected people. Tech & Surveillance: Sen. Bernie Sanders introduced the Ban Flock Act to block federal use of automatic license-plate readers and limit data retention, aiming at the growing backlash against the technology. Climate & Energy: States and cities sued the Trump administration over EPA rollbacks to power-plant greenhouse gas limits, arguing the changes will worsen the climate crisis. Local Business & Community: A Vermont health-care nonprofit received a grant to support adult home health services, while other Vermont business notes highlighted community giving and workforce-focused programs.

Fuel economy fight: Vermont’s attorney general is among a growing coalition suing the Trump administration over weakened federal CAFE standards, arguing the rollback violates federal law and will mean higher gas costs and more pollution. Immigration crackdown: A report says federal funding and 287(g) partnerships have driven immigrant arrests to the highest levels since Trump returned to office, with local agencies increasingly acting as enforcement partners. Healthcare access: New England states, including Vermont, are bracing for Medicaid coverage losses for thousands of documented immigrants, with more cuts expected later under federal changes. UVM labor: Two UVM Medical Center unions voted to authorize a strike, citing staffing control concerns amid layoffs and restructuring. Local business & community: NorthCountry Federal Credit Union awarded Central Vermont Home Health & Hospice a $7,200 grant to support adult home healthcare, while Vermont-based Cannatrol partnered with Operation Green Healing to fund veterans’ wellness programs. Vermont courts & youth justice: A new study finds 18-year-olds handled in Vermont family court are less likely to reoffend than those processed in adult criminal court, supporting “Raise the Age” steps.

Vermont Politics: With just over a month until Election Day, the race for lieutenant governor is heating up as Republican John Rodgers and Democrat Molly Gray trade affordability and cost-of-living critiques, with recent polls showing Gray leading but both sides pressing their cases. Immigration Enforcement: Federal prosecutors have filed charges against five activists accused of blocking access to a Vermont ICE facility in Williston, after state officials declined to honor earlier trespass citations. Courts & Rights: A federal appeals court ruling covering Vermont says border agents can search travelers’ phones and other electronic devices without suspicion. Environment & Energy: Vermont joined a bipartisan push in court to stop attempts to dodge PFAS cleanup responsibilities tied to DuPont’s corporate restructuring. Health & Education: A Rutland County school district is recovering from a cybersecurity attack that exposed staff data, while Medicare Advantage premiums are projected to fall in 2027. Business & Community: Local organizations announced grants and partnerships, including support for home healthcare and a veterans wellness program, plus a Brattleboro chamber awards night highlighting downtown revitalization and small-business growth.

Healthcare Funding: Central Vermont Home Health & Hospice (CVHHH) received a $7,200 grant from NorthCountry Federal Credit Union to support its Adult Home Healthcare program, which serves more than 1,700 Central Vermonters each year, as Medicare reimbursement cuts widen the funding gap. Veterans & Business: Cannatrol partnered with Operation Green Healing as the exclusive nonprofit partner for its Cool Cure Limited Edition program, directing a share of sales to expand veterans and military-family wellness support. Financial Literacy for Students: Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation’s Pipelines and Pathways Reality Fair returns Oct. 6 at Leland & Gray High School, with an interactive, hands-on day focused on financial literacy for more than 250 students. State Government Appointments: Gov. Phil Scott announced new administration roles, including Nick Kramer as deputy commissioner of the Department of Human Resources and Shabnam Nolan as deputy secretary of the Agency of Human Services. Community & Culture: The Mockingbird Foundation launched a Vermont music scholarship with VSAC, and the Hartford school board is weighing elementary school closures to cut about $5 million. Energy & Housing: Vermont Gas is helping make geothermal more affordable for Riggs Meadow in Hinesburg by covering the upfront cost of underground ground-loop pipes.

Medicaid Shake-Up: Vermont’s Medicaid program starts major federal-driven changes Oct. 1, affecting nearly 50,000 Vermonters, including most adult refugees and asylum seekers (about 235) who could lose coverage unless they qualify for exceptions. Housing Win: Putney’s Alice Holway Drive affordable apartments opened after years of legal fights, with residents like Stormy Gammon celebrating finally getting stable housing. AI in Medicine: UVM received up to $38 million to build an “AI twin” to help doctors test treatments for critically ill patients before using them in clinical trials. Flood Recovery: Treasurer Mike Pieciak wrapped up a flood recovery tour at Tri-Park Cooperative Housing, highlighting how disasters hit people hardest when they’re already financially strained. Data Privacy & Safety: Vermont’s proposed AADC rules could force online services to redesign how they present content to minors, with a comment deadline of Oct. 2. Local Business/Community: Central Vermont Home Health & Hospice received a $7,200 grant to support adult home healthcare, while the Brattleboro Development Credit Corp. is set to host a hands-on financial literacy Reality Fair Oct. 6.

Health & Community Funding: Central Vermont Home Health & Hospice received a $7,200 grant from NorthCountry Federal Credit Union to support Adult Home Healthcare, serving more than 1,700 people a year as Medicare reimbursement cuts widen the funding gap. Local Business & Skills: Brattleboro’s chamber honored downtown revitalization, a Putney entrepreneur, and long-time community volunteers at its annual awards, while a new Equity Exchange portal pairs white allies’ free professional services with BIPOC Vermonters’ needs. Public Safety & Environment: Vermont State Police and ANR are investigating litter and scrap along the Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail after a cleanup effort created hazards and costs for VTrans. EMS Planning: Pownal and other Southshire towns will begin public meetings on EMS regionalization options to rein in rising emergency service costs. Energy & Winter Prep: DEC urges shoreland owners to remove docks or let them freeze safely, and to get permits for aeration devices; Vermont also continues expanding its “virtual power plant” of home batteries. Health Tech: UVM won up to $38M to build AI “digital twins” for treating critically ill patients.

Cybersecurity & Consumer Protection: Vermont is among states covered by a multistate settlement with Labcorp over a 2019 AMCA data breach, with officials emphasizing that HIPAA-covered companies can’t “pass the buck” to vendors and that stronger vendor management is key. Local Government: Berlin’s select board is scrambling after a charter-change vote timeline got muddled, with the town manager shift already on ballots and mailboxes despite confusion at a public hearing. State Economy & Trade: Vermont officials and businesses say the new Canadian import ban is hitting only a small slice of goods moving across the border, though some dealers are pausing shipments. Health & Community: Brattleboro’s Root Social Justice Center marked 13 years with a community celebration focused on relationship-building and racial justice. Business & Education: Central Vermont home health and hospice received a grant to support adult home healthcare, while Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation’s Reality Fair brings hands-on financial literacy to students. Environment & Outdoors: Vermont DEC is warning shoreland residents about winter dock and aerator safety, and Fish & Wildlife is closing a small Hatchery Cove area to protect landlocked Atlantic salmon during spawning.

College sports overhaul: The U.S. Senate passed the Protect College Sports Act in a 77-22 vote, a rare bipartisan push that would reshape NCAA rules on eligibility, transfers, and athlete pay, with the bill now headed to the House. Vermont housing pressure: Vermont’s market is cooling as listings rise and homes take longer to sell, but affordability remains a major barrier for many buyers. Medicare Advantage squeeze: Vermont’s Medicare Advantage options have shrunk sharply, with many beneficiaries losing access as insurers exit less profitable markets. Data privacy & breaches: A Gallagher Transport breach is under investigation after Vermont was named among affected states, and Vermont officials are also dealing with other privacy and surveillance concerns. Public safety & environment: Vermont DEC is urging shoreland owners to remove docks or manage winter risks, and a Lake Champlain fishing closure is set to protect landlocked Atlantic salmon. Community & health: Phish fans launched a Vermont music scholarship, and a Rutland walk fundraiser targets postpartum mental health. Schools: School consolidation talks are underway in Central Vermont as districts weigh budget pressure and changing enrollment.

Vermont Politics: Vermont Public’s new poll shows Gov. Phil Scott leading Amanda Janoo by 10 points (42% to 32%), a sharp swing from a UNH poll that had Janoo up in a statistical tie. Education & Housing: A Rutland Northeast Supervisory Union forum put Addison and Rutland Senate candidates on the record on Act 170, education reform, and affordability, while Act 170 merger work is moving from planning to first committee meetings under the state’s consolidation timeline. Civil Rights on the Ballot: Proposal 4 would add explicit equal protection language to the Vermont Constitution, with supporters arguing it strengthens protections and opponents warning about federal overreach. Healthcare Access: HCRS won $3.6 million to build a 24/7 Mental Health Urgent Care Center in Brattleboro starting January 2027, aiming to fill a crisis-care gap. Environment & Consumer Watch: A nonprofit says Starbucks’ “widely recyclable” plastic cups aren’t being recycled, with trackers finding cups ending in landfills or incinerators; Starbucks disputes the methodology. Local Economy & Jobs: Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation’s Reality Fair brings hands-on financial literacy to hundreds of students, partnering with local banks and schools.