GMCB To Hear Report on Healthcare
Consultants to the Green Mountain Care Board will present their final report to the board Wednesday, Sept. 18. The public is encouraged to attend via an online link. The firm Oliver Wyman was contracted to develop community- and data-informed options to transform Vermont’s healthcare system; its report includes recommendations that ensure an affordable, equitable, accessible, and sustainable healthcare system. These focus on issues ranging from hospital operations to housing and transportation.
The meeting will begin at 10 a.m. and is scheduled to end at 3 p.m., followed by public comment. For more information and a link to join, visit gmcboard.vermont.gov/hospitalsustainability
—press release
Reps Shocked By Hazard Plan
Following the recent audit report from Vermont State Auditor Doug Hoffer, which revealed that two-thirds of the steps outlined in the 2018 State Hazard Mitigation Plan remain incomplete, Montpelier representatives Conor Casey and Kate McCann, and Barre City representatives Jonathan Williams and Peter Anthony, say they are gravely concerned over the lack of progress. The state representatives call on Governor Phil Scott, if reelected, and his administration to prioritize disaster mitigation in the upcoming state budget and ensure that Vermont is better prepared to face future natural disasters.
“The findings in this report are shocking and deeply troubling,” said Representative Conor Casey. “We’ve experienced devastating floods in 2023 and 2024, and the fact that so many critical actions to improve our flood resilience were left unfinished is unacceptable. Vermont can no longer afford to be unprepared.”
The 2018 plan outlined 96 specific actions designed to improve the state’s ability to withstand natural disasters, ranging from improving flood resilience to strengthening building standards. The audit revealed that two-thirds of these actions were left incomplete, even as Vermont faced catastrophic flooding in recent years.
—press release
Pierce Joins Environmental Justice Network
The Vermont Environmental Justice Network has hired Destinee Pierce as network manager. Pierce, a social justice advocate, will oversee partnership and membership communications and identify key state environmental causes.
“With Vermont facing increasing flooding and environmental challenges, I am eager to engage in work that addresses both climate change and the disproportionate impacts on marginalized communities,” Pierce said.
With more frequent flooding and growing environmental concerns, the organization is focused on improving attention, education, and resources for vulnerable communities, including BIPOC and low-income populations.
—press release
Raising Walls for Housing
Vermont Habitat for Humanity affiliates announce a groundbreaking event in the fight against Vermont’s housing crisis. On Saturday, Sept. 21, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the first-ever “from Dome to Home” wall raising celebration will take place on the Statehouse lawn in front of Vermont’s Golden Dome. Volunteers, including elected representatives, will build wall sections, which will then be assembled for a ceremonial wall raising. The event is open to the public, with registration required for those interested in volunteering to assemble wall sections. Contact Zachariah Watson at zach@centralvermonthabitat.org. Opportunities to sponsor a wall section are available.
—press release
FEMA Help for Roads, Driveways, Bridges
If your privately owned road, driveway, or bridge was damaged or destroyed by Vermont’s storms, flooding, landslides, and mudslides on July 9 through July 11, 2024, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) may be able to provide financial assistance for replacement or repairs. Visit DisasterAssistance.gov, download the FEMA app, or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Businesses can apply on SBA’s secure website at sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance. Homeowners and renters can register with FEMA and apply with the SBA at the same time. For more information: 1-800-659-2955 (dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services) or DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov.
—press release