VBSR Supports Indoor Masking Mandates and Welcomes OSHA Vaccine Requirements
Burlington, VT – From supply chain disruptions to complete business closures, the public health and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have created a ripple effect throughout our economy, and business owners continue to struggle to maintain operations while keeping their employees and communities healthy and whole. While Vermont has set the benchmark for pandemic […]
2021 Legislative Session Recap
On May 21st, Vermont’s first (and hopefully last) fully remote legislative session adjourned, following passage of a $7.35 billion budget for fiscal year 2022. The FY2022 budget, signed by Governor Scott on June 8th, includes nearly $600 million in federal funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). As detailed below, the budget includes significant […]
Rebuilding a Resilient Vermont
We can create a more resilient, equitable, inclusive and vibrant Vermont The COVID-19 pandemic is having profound impacts on Vermonters across the state. Every day people face new obstacles and for many the future feels daunting and uncertain. But we believe the future for Vermont is greater than what lies behind—if we move forward in […]
Voting Safely in 2020: A Call to Action from VBSR
In these times of social, political, and economic upheaval, it is more important than ever that as socially responsible business leaders we make every effort to ensure our elections are safe, timely, and accessible. While VBSR is decidedly nonpartisan, we are committed to working with our members to increase voter participation in our country’s elections and channel resources toward […]
Op-Ed: Crisis = Change
Opinion Editorial by David Blittersdorf, AllEarth Renewables We are in the beginning of the largest crisis our world has seen in almost a century. COVID-19 has rapidly triggered a human health and economic disaster in our fragile modern society, the likes of which we have never experienced before. Crises are chaotic and disruptive, but in […]
VBSR Supports Additional Pay for Frontline Workers
The passage of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, threw several much-needed financial lifelines to Vermont’s families, businesses, and workers. As the state grapples with record unemployment numbers, recently laid off workers are now receiving a $600 increase in unemployment pay on top of the State’s existing benefit. Meanwhile small businesses have […]
Your Guide to the CARES Act: Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loans
The programs offered by the recently-passed Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act will serve as a valuable lifeline to businesses in need as they cope with the growing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. VBSR is here to provide clarity on what options are available to you and will be […]
Congress Passes $2 Trillion Coronavirus Relief Bill
After several days of tense negotiations between congressional leaders and the Administration, Congress has officially passed S. 3548, The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. This unprecedented, $2 trillion bill is nearly 900 pages long and promises to help Vermont’s struggling businesses and overwhelmed healthcare systems recover from this growing crisis. The bill includes a major […]
Statehouse Expands Unemployment Benefits with COVID-19 Response Package
While Vermont’s businesses grapple with the growing impacts of the coronavirus, working Vermonters are being laid off at historic rates and Unemployment Insurance (UI) claims are skyrocketing as a result. Vermont Department of Labor (DOL) usually processes 400 employment claims in a given week. By the end of last week they […]
Federal Action on COVID-19: What Does it Mean for Your Business?
As businesses, communities, and families across the country continue to reel from the COVID-19 pandemic, Legislators are working to pass a series of relief bills to curtail the virus’ spread and soften its economic impacts. Detailed below are the two primary pieces of legislation that have been signed into […]