AGP Executive Report

AI & Energy Policy: Gov. Phil Scott vetoed Vermont’s data-center bill (H.727), despite broad legislative support, drawing sharp criticism from Democrats and environmental groups who warn of higher utility bills and pollution from large AI-driven facilities. Public Ownership in AI: A new push for Americans to get equity stakes in AI companies is gaining traction, with reports of talks between OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Sen. Bernie Sanders, and Trump floating a similar idea. Chemicals & Consumer Safety: Vermont became the first state to ban paraquat, tied to Parkinson’s disease risk, while a wider state-by-state crackdown on PFAS is reshaping what ends up in products. Local Business & Economy: Vermont Smoke & Cure launched new meat sticks in partnership with A.1. and Lea & Perrins, aiming at the fast-growing snack aisle. Workforce & Education: UVM Health’s Project SEARCH program wrapped up with nearly 500 CCV graduates celebrated statewide, highlighting job skills and career pathways. Community & Culture: Burlington Wine & Food Festival returns June 27, and the Central Vermont Humane Society held its 34th Walk for Animals.

AI & Public Wealth: OpenAI CEO Sam Altman met with Sen. Bernie Sanders after Sanders floated a plan for the public to take a major equity stake in AI firms, and Trump also signaled interest in a White House partnership that would let Americans benefit from AI success. Energy & Data Centers: Vermont’s Gov. Phil Scott vetoed H.727, a bill meant to curb the financial and environmental fallout of large AI data centers; lawmakers fell short of an override vote, drawing sharp criticism from Democrats and environmental groups. Health & Agriculture: Vermont became the first state to ban paraquat, an herbicide linked to Parkinson’s disease, with a phase-out expected over coming years. Local Business & Community: South Burlington is moving toward data-center-related zoning changes, while Burlington’s Wine & Food Festival returns June 27 and Northfield’s summer road race series kicks off June 4. Banking & Fraud: Federal authorities arrested suspects tied to a $500,000+ wire fraud scheme targeting Vermont and Northeast banks and credit unions.

AI Wealth Plan: President Trump says he’s exploring a federal stake in major AI firms—“pieces” of companies that could be shared with the public—after talks with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and amid growing bipartisan interest in “universal basic capital.” Vermont Energy & Data Centers: A Vermont veto fight over protections for future large-scale AI data centers ended when lawmakers failed to override Gov. Scott’s veto, keeping the status quo. Offshore Wind Lawsuit: Vermont AG and other states sue the Trump administration over a “sham deal” to pay TotalEnergies about $928 million to cancel New York offshore wind leases, arguing it swaps clean energy and union jobs for oil and gas. Vermont Economy: Ski Vermont reports the strongest skier visits in about a decade—over 4 million visits and a 4.7% jump—fueling summer-to-fall optimism. Fraud & Banking: Federal authorities arrested suspects tied to a $500,000+ wire fraud scheme targeting Vermont banks and credit unions. Local Housing: Montpelier’s Turret House shelter opened with 18 beds, aiming to ease pressure on downtown businesses as homelessness rises. Food & Business: Vermont Smoke & Cure expands nationally with new A.1. and Lea & Perrins meat sticks.

AI Policy & Industry: President Trump says he’s talking with top AI executives about the federal government acquiring “pieces” of major AI firms, potentially turning the public into a partner via dividends—an idea that’s already drawing skepticism from critics worried about stifling innovation. Vermont Energy & Governance: Burlington Electric Department approved new hydro power purchase agreements, including output from Maine’s Skelton Hydro facility and a 10-year deal for Connecticut’s Wyre Wynd project, as it reshapes renewable supply after expiring contracts. Local Economy & Jobs: Vermont’s ski industry logged a banner season with more than 4 million visitors, helped by early snow and holiday storms—boosting off-mountain business too. Workforce & Inclusion: UVM Health’s Project SEARCH celebrated eight graduates, including a participant with Down syndrome and Type 1 diabetes, highlighting real workplace rotations and independence-building skills. Community & Food Systems: Vermont awarded $1 million in Farm to School grants to expand school gardens, outdoor classrooms, and local food access for students and early childhood programs. Public Safety: Vermont school districts faced “swatting” bomb-hoax calls, with officials saying the threats were unfounded and warning these incidents are becoming more common. Business Development: Lawrence, Kansas is weighing incentives for Alarm.com to renovate a downtown building, aiming to expand its workforce and investment.

AI & Data Centers Policy: Gov. Phil Scott vetoed H.727, a bill meant to protect Vermonters from the financial and environmental fallout of large AI data centers, and lawmakers failed to override the veto as the session ended. Workforce & Health Care Skills: UVM Health’s Project SEARCH wrapped up with eight graduates, including a participant with Down syndrome and Type 1 diabetes, highlighting real workplace rotations and independence-building for young adults. Small Business Financing: BDCC is running new Funding Fundamentals sessions, including a June 10 workshop on building business credit and a June 17 mini-session on avoiding financing traps. Local Economy & Tourism: Burke Mountain’s Bike Park is set to open Saturday, June 6, with expanded trail plans and major 2026 upgrades. Community & Environment: PlayCleanGo Awareness Week runs June 6-13, urging Vermonters to clean gear to slow the spread of invasive species that threaten forests and outdoor recreation. Social Security Pressure: A new national analysis warns Social Security’s trust fund could trigger an automatic benefit cut in 2032, averaging about $500 a month.

Juvenile Justice: Vermont announced plans for a permanent 14-bed Green Mountain Youth Center in South Burlington to replace the closed Woodside Youth Rehabilitation Center, with a crisis stabilization unit and residential treatment program aimed at a more therapeutic approach. Housing Pressure: Fair Haven mobile home park residents are scrambling as a September closure nears, highlighting how limited affordable options leave families in legal and financial limbo. State Politics & Tech: A key Vermont AI data-center bill (H.727) was vetoed by Gov. Scott and the Legislature failed to override, reigniting debate over power, water, and environmental impacts. Water Quality: Hanover Water Department found higher-than-normal iron levels in the Fletcher Reservoir after complaints of metallic-tasting tap water, though results stayed within safe drinking limits. Workforce & Inclusion: UVM Health’s Project SEARCH celebrated eight graduates, including a participant with Down syndrome and Type 1 diabetes, underscoring real workplace training for young adults with disabilities. Economy & Tourism: Ski Vermont reported the strongest skier visits since 2014-15, with 4.36 million skier visits for 2025-26. Health & Safety: A national report warns Social Security could face automatic benefit cuts averaging about $500 a month by 2032 if Congress doesn’t act.

Banking & Business: Beacon Bank earned a five-star spot on Newsweek’s 2026 America’s Best Regional Banks list, highlighting its Vermont footprint and local decision-making. EV Market: Vermont passed 20,000 EVs on the road, with Drive Electric Vermont estimating driving electric can run about $1.75/gallon equivalent thanks to used EVs and discounted charging. Energy & Data Centers: States are moving to regulate data centers as residents push back over energy use, water demand, noise, and waste—while supporters argue they’re key to jobs and growth. Legal/Policy: Seven Democratic-led states, including Vermont, sued the Trump administration over a $1 billion TotalEnergies offshore wind deal to end projects, arguing it’s illegal and could raise energy costs. Public Health & Regulation: Kratom poisonings have surged 1,200% over the past decade as regulators struggle to keep up with rising risks. Community & Workforce: UVM Health’s Project SEARCH celebrated eight graduates, showing how workplace rotations can build independence for young adults with disabilities. Local Environment: DEC released shoreland guidance urging property owners to protect lake ecosystems with native plantings, rain gardens, and no-mow zones.

Student Aid Fight: Nevada AG Aaron Ford and a coalition of states sued the U.S. Department of Education over a new rule that narrows access to federal student loans for “professional degree” programs, arguing it unlawfully blocks funding for many healthcare and workforce pathways. Social Security Pressure: A new analysis warns Social Security could trigger an average $500-a-month cut by 2032 if lawmakers don’t act, with some states facing deeper losses. Offshore Wind in Court: New York AG Letitia James and six other states, including Vermont, challenged a Trump-era deal that paid TotalEnergies about $928 million to cancel offshore wind leases and redirect money to fossil fuels. Local Business & Jobs: Community Bancorp (Community National Bank) was added to the ABA Nasdaq Community Bank Index, a move aimed at boosting visibility for community lenders. Vermont Community Impact: Howard Center launched “A Place to Belong” to renovate a therapeutic student space at Baird School, targeting sensory and support upgrades for students in its TABS program. EV Adoption: Drive Electric Vermont reports nearly 21,000 EVs on Vermont roads, with used EV prices and discounted charging rates driving interest.

Offshore Wind Legal Fight: Vermont and six other states joined New York in suing the Trump administration over a TotalEnergies deal that would cancel offshore wind leases and redirect money to fossil fuels, arguing the process was unlawful and could harm jobs, power planning, and climate goals. ICE Medical Neglect Claims: A new KFF Health News/AP investigation says detainees in at least 33 states allege serious medical neglect in immigration facilities, including delayed or denied medications and untreated conditions. EV Market in Vermont: Drive Electric Vermont data shows nearly 21,000 EVs on Vermont roads, up 12% year over year, as higher gas prices and cheaper used EVs plus discounted charging make switching more affordable. Rural Prosperity Conference: UVM’s RISE Summit returns June 16 with a focus on “Partnerships for Rural Prosperity,” including a keynote on AI’s impact on rural economies. Local Business & Tourism: Vermont Smoke & Cure is launching new A.1. and Lea & Perrins meat sticks nationwide, and Burke Mountain Resort is preparing for the June 6 start of its bike season with new trail investments. State & Local Watch: Swanton Village Electric is raising rates more than 30% after a Highgate Dam bladder failure reduced power production.

Offshore wind legal fight: New York AG Letitia James and Gov. Kathy Hochul announced a federal lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s nearly $1 billion “pay-not-to-play” deal with TotalEnergies to cancel an offshore wind lease off New York, with Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Rhode Island and Vermont joining—arguing it’s unlawful and would undercut clean-energy goals and union jobs. Local governance & infrastructure: Shaftsbury’s Select Board declined to apply for a $60,000 VTrans matching grant for a scoping study on safer pedestrian and bike connections to North Bennington. Workforce pipeline: Vermont State University graduated 188 Level IV registered apprenticeship plumbers and electricians, with Gov. Phil Scott highlighting the need to train and retain workers in Vermont. Rural economy & innovation: UVM’s RISE Summit on June 16 will focus on “Partnerships for Rural Prosperity,” including a keynote on “AI and the Future Rural Economy.” Community business spotlight: Ben & Jerry’s says its Stephen Colbert–era Americone Dream flavor isn’t going anywhere—just updated packaging as the “Late Show” host exits. Environment & local costs: Norwich is removing nearly 400 ash trees over four months as emerald ash borer spreads, with the project budgeted at $106,000.

Health Care Policy: Vermont’s health care bills are moving into implementation mode after the biennium ended, including reference-based pricing aimed at steering savings to small-business and individual Qualified Health Plans and VEHI plans for teachers, plus a comprehensive data privacy law that takes effect in January 2028. Rural Hospitals: U.S. Sen. Peter Welch says the Senate’s unanimous passage of the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration reauthorization extends a key Medicare testing program for rural hospitals, with Brattleboro Memorial Hospital among participating sites. Public Safety Governance: A new Windham County law lets towns form a regional governance structure to oversee sheriff-led police coverage, potentially replacing piecemeal hourly contracts. Cybersecurity: Vermont saw a sharp jump in cyberfraud losses in 2025, with nearly 1,600 residents reporting losses totaling more than $26 million. Local Business & Community: Burlington is debating whether to extend a temporary higher restaurant gross receipts tax rate to balance the budget. Regional Economy: Windham communities are investing in SeVEDS through municipal funding to support workforce and small-business programs. Health Care Delivery: Copley Hospital added contrast-enhanced mammography to improve breast cancer detection, and RRMC earned Magnet designation for the fourth time. Tourism & Events: Burke Mountain Resort is gearing up for its June 6 mountain bike season opener, and the Manchester Food & Wine Festival drew strong attendance over Memorial Day weekend.

AI & Data Centers: Gov. Phil Scott vetoed Vermont’s AI data center bill (H.727), saying existing oversight is enough and new rules could hurt the state’s competitiveness. Privacy & Compliance: Vermont lawmakers passed a consumer data privacy bill and moved ahead on data broker changes, with the new law set to take effect in 2028. Workforce & Health Care: U.S. Sen. Peter Welch says the Senate unanimously passed a five-year extension of the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration, keeping Medicare payment tests alive for rural hospitals like Brattleboro Memorial. Local Business & Growth: Burke Mountain Resort is gearing up for its June 6 bike season opener, with new trail work and upgrades planned for 2026. Community & Economy: UVM’s RISE Summit on June 16 will focus on “Partnerships for Rural Prosperity,” including a keynote on AI’s role in the rural economy. Environment & Property: The Vermont Lakes and Ponds Program is urging lakefront owners to use shoreland best practices to protect water quality and habitat.

Health Care: Rutland Regional Medical Center earned Magnet designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center for the fourth straight time, underscoring its push for nursing excellence. Entrepreneurship: LaunchVT’s Demo Night is set for June 16 at Hula, with the 2026 cohort pitching to investor judges and cash awards for Vermont startups. Child Care & Labor: A new UVM-led study finds intensified ICE activity reshaped the childcare workforce, cutting capacity and employment—especially among immigrant women in regulated childcare settings. Cannabis Policy: Vermont’s marijuana regulators are calling out a frustrating lack of federal guidance as rescheduling moves create uncertainty for businesses. State Budget & Schools: Alburgh voters will see a revised $8.2 million school spending plan after earlier rejections, with the district aiming to fund the education center and out-of-county tuition. Infrastructure & Traffic: Vermont’s weekly road construction report flags ongoing I-89 paving and bridge work, plus VT 14 resurfacing and VT 17 shoulder repairs. Local Business: Morse Block Deli in Barre is marking its 10th anniversary this summer, built on locally sourced food and community support.

Health Care & Workforce: Rutland Regional Medical Center earned Magnet designation for the fourth straight time, underscoring its push for nursing excellence, and will host a June 2 regional mixer focused on the Vermont Orthopaedic Clinic. Child Care & Immigration: A new UVM-led study finds intensified ICE activity between 2023 and 2025 shrank the childcare workforce, with immigrant women hit hardest as centers cut enrollment or closed. State Policy & Child Care Funding: Vermont child care leaders say the 2025-26 biennium delivered record investment and new spaces/jobs, while urging continued protection of Act 76 funding. Cannabis & Federal Rules: After DOJ rescheduled medical marijuana, states still face a patchwork on what comes next; Vermont regulators and businesses are watching for clearer federal guidance. Entrepreneurship: LaunchVT’s Demo Night returns June 16 at Hula, spotlighting its latest cohort of startups and investor judges. Local Business Growth: Lake Effect Vermont is moving to a new South Hero location (McGregor Building) with a June 10 ribbon cutting. Infrastructure & Traffic: The state’s June 1 construction plan details paving and bridge work across I-89 and key routes, with speed limits and lane closures.

Cannabis & Local Economy: Lake Effect Vermont is relocating to the McGregor Building at 334 US Route 2 in South Hero, with a June 10 ribbon cutting and community celebration—aimed at boosting foot traffic in the Champlain Islands business district. State Policy & Health Care: Vermont lawmakers adjourned after passing education reform next steps that increase pressure on districts to consolidate but stop short of forcing mergers, while also moving budget and property tax yields. Environment & Agriculture: Gov. Phil Scott signed Vermont’s first-in-the-nation ban on paraquat, a neurotoxic herbicide linked to Parkinson’s risk, with a regulated orchard/berry permit window through 2030 and funding for alternatives. Energy & Regulation: Vermont regulators are probing a Shaftsbury solar array after high winds blew down panels, raising questions about potential soil impacts from broken units. Jobs & Labor Market: Vermont employment fell by 900 jobs in April, and labor force participation slipped to 62.7%, adding to concerns about a cooling labor picture. Business & Community Events: LaunchVT’s 2026 Demo Night is set for June 16, featuring investor judges and cash awards for startups from the chamber accelerator. Health Care Recognition: Rutland Regional Medical Center earned Magnet designation for the fourth straight time, highlighting nursing excellence.

Education Deal Wraps Session: Vermont lawmakers adjourned after passing landmark education reform and budget bills, avoiding forced district mergers while setting a path for voluntary consolidation. Privacy Law: Vermont’s comprehensive consumer data privacy bill is poised for signing despite doubts, with consumer groups weighing in. Energy & Grid: Texture secured $12.5M to help utilities manage transformer load and batteries, aiming to prevent outages as electrification grows. Cannabis Market: Lawmakers approved modest changes to Vermont’s retail cannabis rules, scaling back direct-to-consumer delivery pilots. Public Health & Agriculture: Gov. Phil Scott signed Vermont’s first-in-the-nation ban on paraquat, a neurotoxic herbicide linked to Parkinson’s risk, with limited orchard/berry use through 2030. Workforce & Child Care: New research links intensified ICE activity to reduced capacity in the childcare sector, hitting immigrant women and families relying on stable care. Local Business & Community: Lake Effect Vermont is opening a new South Hero location June 10, and LaunchVT’s Demo Night is set for June 16. Health Care Recognition: Rutland Regional Medical Center earned Magnet designation for the fourth straight time, reinforcing nursing excellence.