March 10, 2005 – News at a glance

Print More

Health officials assess flu season after vaccine concerns
A serious shortage of vaccine at the beginning of the flu season raised many health concerns among Vermonters. But in the end, it appears that clinics received about the same amount of the vaccine as usual. (VPR)

Clear Skies Act stopped in committee
Independent Senator Jim Jeffords is thrilled that President Bush’s Clear Skies Act failed in committee on Wednesday in a tie vote. But this doesn’t mean the issue is completely dead. If Mr. Bush continues to pressure Republicans they can bring the bill up again with just 72 hours notice. (VPR)

Hospitals and Douglas administration at odds over Medicaid deficit
Vermont hospital executives came to Montpelier on Wednesday to add their voice to the health care debate. They’re worried about the governor’s plan to cut Medicaid payments to hospitals. The hospitals have a plan of their own that calls for a temporary tax but that met with a cool reception in the governor’s office. (VPR)

Drinking water concerns may lead to ban on gasoline additive
The Vermont House has given preliminary approval to legislation that will ban the use of the gasoline additive MTBE in two years. The Vermont Petroleum Association supports the plan and says the bill shouldn’t cause any gasoline supply problems in the future. (VPR)

Sanders’ amendment would repeal some parts of USA Patriot Act
Congressman Bernie Sanders has introduced legislation that repeals several sections of the USA Patriot Act. The original law was passed in the weeks after the terrorist attacks of September 11th to give law enforcement agencies additional tools to monitor and apprehend people who are suspected of plotting acts of terrorism. (VPR)

Leahy’s long-time chief of staff moves on
Senator Patrick Leahy’s chief of staff is leaving his post. Luke Albee has worked for Leahy for 20 years, serving as chief of staff since 1993. Albee is going to work as a lobbyist with a Washington firm. (AP)

Bill would charge seceding towns with ‘exit fees’
Divorce can be costly, and some lawmakers want the town of Killington to know that before it continues its drive to leave Vermont for New Hampshire. Three House members have introduced a bill that would charge exit fees to towns if they want to leave Vermont. (AP)

New cabinet officers
Governor Jim Douglas’s cabinet shuffle is complete. Administration Secretary Charles Smith and Human Services Secretary Michael Smith, who are not related, completed their job change. And Corrections Commissioner Robert Hofmann has been confirmed in his new post. (AP)

Burlington homicide
Burlington police are searching for the killer of a 31-year-old local woman found murdered in her car. The body of Laura Winterbottom was found on Thursday morning in the car parked on Hyde Street. Police say there’s no reason to believe there is a threat to the public. (AP)

Brattleboro fraud trial
A federal fraud trial is under way in Brattleboro for a disbarred New York attorney who founded a debt reduction firm that once operated in Bennington. Prosecutors say Andrew Capoccia stole millions of dollars from the Law Centers for Consumer Protection. (AP)

Comments are closed.