The Pew Charitable Trusts - State and Consumer Initiatives from Vermont

After Expanding Coverage, Health Care Pioneer Seeks to Tame Costs

The Affordable Care Act will extend health care coverage to almost everybody. Now states are moving on to the next frontier in health care reform: containing costs. Once again, Massachusetts is taking the lead by putting its health care industry on an annual budget and requiring all insurers and medical providers to make detailed price lists available to the public.

Northeastern States To Drastically Cut Emissions Cap

Nine Northeastern states will drastically cut the region’s carbon cap under proposed changes to the region’s cap-and- trade program, they announced Thursday.

Public Safety in Vermont

Public safety in Vermont.

Vermont State of the State Address 2013

MONTPELIER, Vermont -- Jan. 10 -- Following is the prepared text of Gov. Peter Shumlin's (D) 2013 State of the State Address

Falling Short on Dental Sealants: Vermont

How well is Vermont protecting kids from tooth decay?

The Impact of the Fiscal Cliff: Vermont

Federal and state finances are closely intertwined, and the fiscal cliff’s tax and spending provisions will have consequences for states.

Republicans Win Big in North Carolina Governor’s Race But Struggle Elsewhere

Despite heavy spending by outside groups in nearly a dozen races for governor, the partisan mix of Democrats and Republicans leading states appeared to change only slightly as a result of Tuesday’s elections.

Defense of Marriage Act Discriminates Against Gays, Federal Court Rules

The federal government’s refusal to recognize same-sex marriages — including those considered legal in several states — is unconstitutional, a federal court has ruled.

Still Risky: Checking Accounts in Vermont

Checking accounts, the most widely used financial product in America, contain hidden risks that can harm consumers. One of the 12 largest banks nationwide offers checking accounts in Vermont and holds 21 percent of all deposits in the state. Here’s what consumers in Vermont may be paying.

Democrats Play Defense in Governors’ Races

The race for New Hampshire governor has the hallmarks of the biggest gubernatorial races this fall: heavy involvement from outside groups, a national contest stealing the spotlight and messages that echo themes from this year’s presidential campaigns.

States Back Challenge to Federal Law on Marriage

Three states say that the federal law failing to recognize same-sex marriages considered legal within their borders violates the U.S. Constitution.

A Fight Over Food Labels in California

A ballot measure to require labeling of genetically modified foods has brought big money and prominent players to the table.

No Child Left Behind: Not Dead Yet

Most states have received waivers from the federal No Child Left Behind law, but some have found flexibility harder to come by.

Medicaid Financing of Early Childhood Home Visiting Programs

Various funding streams—federal, state, local, and private—support home visiting programs. Recently, in light of Medicaid's ability to reach so many low-income and at-risk families, interest has been growing in its potential to finance home visiting services for eligible mothers and children.

The Widening Gap Update: Vermont

Vermont failed to pay its full annual pension contribution from 2005 to 2010. The system was 75 percent funded in fiscal year 2010 and faced a $1 billion funding gap. Most experts agree that a fiscally sustainable system should be at least 80 percent funded. The state also had a $2 billion bill for retiree health care costs, less than 1 percent of which was funded, well below the 8 percent national average in 2010.

Best of #StateReads: When a State Runs Out of Psychiatric Beds

This week’s extraordinary journalism about state government, tagged to #StateReads on Twitter.

States, Feds Poised to Write New Chapter in Public Safety Communications

As a plan for a national emergency network takes shape, many questions remain unanswered.

States Scramble to Regulate Fracking

As natural gas drilling expands throughout the country, states are trying to balance economic and environmental interests. Finding agreement isn’t easy.

Vermont Inmate Population Down, Crime Rate Remains Low

A five-year overhaul of the Vermont corrections system is showing good results, Gov. Peter Shumlin said Wednesday, with the state’s prison population and violent crime rates both shrinking.

Drug Database Dilemma

No one disputes the need for more information about prescription drug abuse. But who should have access to the information is a divisive issue.

Vermont’s Prison Reforms Tamp Down Incarceration Rates

Vermont’s prison population is on the decline, reversing a trend that led a 2007 study by the Pew Center on the States to project a 26 percent increase by 2018.

Fewer VT Offenders Go Back to Prison

Gov. Peter Shumlin, D-Vermont, says fewer Vermont offenders are finding their way back into prison after serving their sentences.

VT Inmate Population Down, Recidivism Rate Improves

Governor Peter Shumlin is celebrating victories in what he calls "the war on recidivism." He says the state has made progress in reducing the prison population while also cutting the crime rate.

Shumlin: Vermont. Prison Population Down, Crime Rate Remains Low Thanks to Statewide Overhaul

A five-year overhaul of the Vermont corrections system is showing good results, Gov. Peter Shumlin said Wednesday, with the state's prison population and violent crime rates both shrinking.

Shrinking Prison Population and Fewer New Offenders in Vermont, Figures Show

The state's prison population is decreasing and so is the number of offenders committing new crimes, Gov. Peter Shumlin said Wednesday.

The Spending That Isn’t Counted

Most spending programs are easily traceable in state budgets. But tax incentives are not. Some legislators think they should be.

States Ease Financing for Energy-Efficient Upgrades

Several states are experimenting with an “on-bill” loan financing program that aims to spur investment in energy efficiency for homes and businesses — even for owners who lack capital.

Labor Shortages Lead Businesses to Support Help for Undocumented Workers

Business groups, especially in agriculture, are pushing several state measures to aid immigrant laborers who are in the country illegally. But many of those efforts are treading on uncertain legal ground.

More States Consider Diverting Foreclosure Money

TODAY'S TAKE: Officials in a growing number of states are considering diverting money from a $25 billion foreclosure settlement between big banks and attorneys general to help pay for programs that have nothing to do with housing.

States Struggle with Prescription Drug Abuse

PUBLIC SAFETY BEAT: Legislators are looking for ways to deal with a problem that keeps getting worse. Physicians in some states are starting to work with them.

State Commissioners Ask EPA for Stricter Vehicle and Fuel Standards

ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT BEAT: Several state environmental commissioners say that new federal vehicle and fuel standards would be a boon to public health.

Vermont State of the State Address 2012

MONTPELIER, Vermont - Jan. 5 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Peter Shumlin's (D) 2012 state of the state address: Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Chief Justice, Members of the General Assembly, distinguished guests, fellow Vermonters: Thank you. It's been such a privilege to serve a

Minimum Wage Set to Rise in Eight States

TODAY'S TAKE: Workers in eight states will see slightly larger paychecks beginning January 1, thanks to laws requiring minimum wages to rise with inflation.

Anatomy of a Backlog: How Vermont Fell Behind on Adult Protective Services

PART TWO OF THREE: State systems to protect vulnerable adults from abuse and neglect are straining under growing caseloads and budgets that don't keep pace with the amount of work. Vermont's backlog of 733 open or unassigned cases highlights the depth of the challenges.

Election Websites: Vermont

Being Online Is Still Not Enough provides state-by-state reviews and analysis based on detailed criteria of election websites for all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Feds Short of Disaster Funds to Rebuild Roads

A record-setting year of disasters took its toll on the nation's roads and bridges, and the federal fund to help states rebuild them has been tapped out.

Report: Six States Changing the Way Health Care is Governed

HEALTH BEAT: Fiscally strapped states are using more managed care, cutting doctors' fees and limiting drugs and medical services to contain rising Medicaid costs. A few are taking a broader approach to health care spending.

Vermont AG Won't Press Charges Against Nuclear Plant Officials

ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT BEAT: Despite "untrustworthy" behavior, no perjury case against Vermont nuclear plant executives ... Federal offshore drilling bill seeks revenue for Virginia state government ... Iowa governor proposes new Missouri River management group and more energy and environment news.

It's Hard to Keep Track of Your State Senator When There Are Six of Them in One District

Multi-member constituencies were once a dominant feature of American state politics. But they are gradually disappearing from the scene.

State Workers to Pay More for Health Benefits

Whatever the result of this year's contentious debate over collective bargaining and pay for public workers, one thing is certain: Health care coverage for state employees is going to change for good.

New Jersey Wants Shorter DMV Lines

TRANSPORTATION BEAT: A proposal to reduce wait times to get driver's licenses gets the backing of the agency's chief … Maryland demands more disclosure from a French train operator about its role in the Holocaust … Louisiana's Bobby Jindal kills a highway bill the day it is announced, and other transportation news.

Measuring Transportation Investments: Vermont

A May 2011 report, Measuring Transportation Investments: The Road to Results, found considerable differences among the 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Children's Dental Health: Vermont

Vermont meets five of the eight policy benchmarks aimed at addressing children’s dental health needs. The state reports that its Tooth Tutor school-linked sealant program reaches more than half of its high-risk schools.

Several States Wrap Up Their Budgets

TODAY'S TAKE: Lawmakers in Connecticut, Florida, Missouri and Vermont have finished their budgets or are expected to do so this week, while Alaska is closing in on a deal to end a divisive special session over spending.

Vermont Is Latest to Adopt National Popular Vote

TODAY'S TAKE: Vermont later this week will become the seventh state to embrace a national compact seeking to change the way presidents are elected.

Missouri is Toughest on Crack Cocaine

PUBLIC SAFETY BEAT: Missouri punishes crack dealers more severely than those who sell the powder version of the same drug… Police are stretched thin in one of the nation's most dangerous cities… The Colorado probation agency comes under scrutiny, and other public safety news.

Vermont Charges Ahead on Health Care 'Public Option'

TODAY'S TAKE: Every Vermont resident eventually could sign up for state-paid health insurance under legislation easily approved by the state House of Representatives on Thursday (March 24). The first-in-the-nation plan is a priority for Democratic Governor Peter Shumlin.

Vermont's Pension Solution: Civility

To read the news, you'd think every state was having nasty fights over public pension issues. At least one state has chosen to do it a different way.

For Some States, Health Care Waivers Are a Big Deal

States like Vermont and Oregon, with ambitious health plans, stand to benefit if the Obama administration eases up on the rules.

Vermont Budget Address 2011

MONTPELIER, Vt. - Jan. 25 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Peter Shumlin's (D) 2011 budget address: Click here to hear the governor's speech. Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Mr. President Pro Tem, Members of the General Assembly, distinguished guests, fellow Vermonters: Two weeks ago, we gathered he