shapsmith_decriminalization.jpg

House Votes 98-44 to Decriminalize Marijuana

Supporters of decriminalizing – or even legalizing – the possession of small amounts of marijuana have cleared a major hurdle. The Vermont House voted 98-to-44 on Friday to make it a civil offense – instead of a crime – to possess one ounce or less of pot.

Financing Plan Divides Child Care Advocates

Governor Peter Shumlin’s plan to finance a major expansion of child care programs is sharply dividing Vermont’s early childhood community. There’s nearly unanimous support for the proposal to increase funding for child care subsidies. But there’s disagreement over how to pay for the initiative.
immigrant_licenses_040513_toby_ap236254393897.jpg

Vt. Senate Advances Immigrant License Bill

The Vermont Senate overwhelmingly advanced a bill on Friday that would give driver’s licenses to immigrants who are in the country illegally. The bill would create what are described as drivers’ authorization cards that would look different from a regular state license.

Study: States Can Learn From Vermont’s Health Care Reform

One of the country’s top medical journals is touting Vermont’s health care reform effort as an example for the rest of the nation. A study published this week in the New England Journal of Medicine says other states can learn some lessons from Vermont in rolling out health exchanges that are essential to the federal Affordable Care Act.

Expert: Lyme Disease Just One Part Of Tick-Borne Epidemic

Patients living with Lyme disease crowded the Statehouse on Wednesday to tell their stories about years of misdiagnosis and chronic pain. The patients and their advocates want legislation to protect doctors if they prescribe long-term antibiotic treatment contrary to current medical standards.

Lawmakers Look To Soften Irene’s Financial Blow

Job losses in the wake of Tropical Storm Irene were in many cases temporary, lasting only as long as it took businesses to repair damage from the flood. The financial impact of those layoffs has been more lasting, but lawmakers may have found a way to soften the blow.