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Future of the Vermont State Hospital

The Douglas Administration has been advocating for a new mental health facility in Burlington to replace the century-old Vermont State Hospital in Waterbury. But progress on the replacement has been slow. Last Spring the Legislature commissioned a study on the future of the State Hospital and mental health care in the state. The study’s findings are being made public this week. On this episode of Vermont Edition we examine the new report and its recommendations with two of its creators.

Voices in the week’s news: Friday, September 21, 2007

Wiretapping attorneys, political fundraising and hospital rates were only some of the stories that caught our attention this week. A college campus dealt with two assaults, California turned its eye to Vermont’s car emissions trial and some home owners felt the pinch of adjusted mortgage rates.

Evening Newscast: September 19, 2007

The U.S. Senate has rejected a plan by Senator Patrick Leahy to allow military detainees to challenge their detention in federal court,Vermont’s Public Service Board says hospitals should be forced to live within budgets that grow no faster than the rate of inflation, Advocates launch a statewide awareness campaign for Catamount Health, and commentator Charlie Nardozzi with lawn care advice before the snow flies.

Commission says hospital rates too high

The commission that oversees hospital budgets in Vermont has proposed radical surgery to control health care costs. The commission says hospitals should be forced to live within budgets that grow no faster than the rate of inflation.

Hospitals look to raise revenues

Vermont’s hospitals want to raise revenues by $161 million – more than a 10% increase over last year. A state commission today began its annual review of hospital budgets. That commission learned that this year’s budget growth is the largest in several years.