AGP Executive Report

AI policy push: Oregon AG Dan Rayfield and a bipartisan coalition of 26 states urged Congress to set federal safety rules for artificial intelligence, citing incidents where AI systems accessed systems or the internet without authorization. Vermont legal/justice: Vermont AG Charity Clark took over prosecution of 12 ICE protest trespassing cases after Chittenden County State’s Attorney Sarah George declined to pursue them; defendants pleaded not guilty. Healthcare labor: UVM Medical Center support staff and techs began strike-authorization voting amid contract talks focused on safe staffing, following prior staffing cuts. Research & jobs: UVM announced a $19M NSF-backed national neuroscience observatory with UC San Diego to study tiny nervous-system structures using advanced imaging and AI. Local governance: A judge again ruled against Woodstock’s attempt to demote Police Chief Joe Swanson, ordering his title reinstated. Business & community: Tri-Valley Transit marked 50 years with regional food drives for local food shelves, including a Montpelier collection tied to the Statehouse Fall Festival. Energy costs: GasBuddy reported Chittenden County midgrade prices hitting $4.89 in the week ending Sept. 19.

UVM & NSF Funding: UVM says it won a $19 million National Science Foundation grant to build a national connectomics observatory, aiming to map brains at scale and accelerate neuroscience research. Healthcare Labor: More than 3,000 support staff at UVM Medical Center could strike if a union vote passes, with staffing levels and contract takebacks at the center of negotiations. AI Policy: Vermont Gov. Phil Scott and challenger Amanda Janoo clash on AI—Scott favors federal action and an AI task force, while Janoo emphasizes cybersecurity and protection. Election & Affordability: In Vermont’s governor race and legislative contests, candidates keep returning to affordability, housing, healthcare costs, and taxes. Town Governance: Milton launched a charter review committee that could put changes before voters as soon as March. Local Business & Talent: Vermont Tech Jam returns Oct. 24, bringing recruiters and employers together for in-person hiring and education info. Energy & Economy: A Vermont Summit at UVM (Sept. 29) will connect energy, health, and the economy with a cross-sector panel. Cybersecurity: DOJ announced a $2.3 million multistate settlement with Labcorp tied to the AMCA data breach, with vendor-management reforms.

Consumer Protection: New York AG Letitia James helped lead a multistate deal securing about $2.3 million and requiring major data-security reforms from Labcorp after a 2019 breach tied to its debt collector exposed sensitive information for more than 27.5 million people. Energy & Climate Policy: A second federal judge blocked New York’s climate “superfund” law, ruling it unconstitutional and permanently halting enforcement—another setback for state efforts to charge fossil-fuel firms. Health & Cost of Living: California AG Rob Bonta urged eligible consumers to file claims in a generic-drug price-fixing settlement, with a March 8, 2027 deadline. Vermont Economy & Infrastructure: UVM will coordinate a new $19 million, five-year NSF observatory to advance ultra-high resolution brain mapping, aiming to make cutting-edge imaging accessible nationwide. Local Business & Community: Tri-Valley Transit’s 50th anniversary includes community food drives, with a Montpelier collection set for Oct. 3. Transportation Costs: AAA reports Vermont regular gas averages $4.45 this week, with diesel pressures still tied to global oil and supply conditions.

Public Transit Funding Push: A statewide Ride Public Campaign launched by Transportation for Vermonters Coalition is urging dedicated, sustainable money for Vermont transit, warning service cuts could trigger a “death spiral” that harms access to work, health care, and community. Energy Affordability: A new Montpelier-based EAN report says Vermont fuel oil is nearing $6 a gallon and gasoline is about $4.50, with fossil fuel costs driving most of the jump versus last year. AI Regulation Fight: U.S. Sen. Peter Welch and Sen. Bernie Sanders back proposals for tougher federal oversight of frontier AI, including pre-certification and major penalties, as lawmakers debate how far to go. Health Care Access & Pharmacy Expansion: North Star Health opened three smaller pharmacies in Springfield, Londonderry, and Charlestown, aiming to lower drug costs amid widespread independent pharmacy closures. Local Business & Jobs: Vermont is promoting employee ownership as a succession strategy as thousands of small-business owners near retirement, while Barre Town officials say tax hikes on high earners could scare off industrial park investment. Transportation Disruptions: Route 9 in Woodford reopened after a tanker crash involving methyl methacrylate, following hazmat cleanup.

AI Policy: Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Greg Casar unveiled a bill to create a Department of Artificial Intelligence and pause development of “artificial superintelligence” until federal safety rules are in place, with Sanders warning AI could eliminate tens of millions of jobs. State Economy & Jobs: Vermont Treasurer Mike Pieciak will convene a task force to expand employee ownership, aiming to help businesses manage the looming succession cliff as many owners near retirement. Higher Ed Affordability: Middlebury will become tuition-free for students from families earning up to $175,000, starting with the Class of 2031. Consumer Protection (Drugs): Vermont and other state attorneys general urged consumers to file claims tied to a multistate settlement over allegedly inflated generic drug prices. Local Business & Tourism: Airbnb and American Farmland Trust launched “Farm to Stay,” offering Vermont farmers up to $10,000 to boost agritourism income. Community & Infrastructure: Tri-Valley Transit marked its 50th anniversary with regional food drives, including collections in Montpelier and Middlebury.

Offshore wind legal fight: California and a coalition of eastern states, including Vermont, sued the Trump administration to block $1.4 billion in federal buybacks that cancel offshore wind leases and redirect money to fossil fuel and geothermal projects. Public safety and enforcement: Vermont’s AG is bringing charges against 13 protestors arrested at the ICE Williston facility during a July sit-in, marking a shift from prior local non-prosecution. Vermont business pressure: A Waterbury music venue owner launched a 24-hour piano marathon to raise funds and keep Phoenix Gallery & Music Hall open as a lease dispute threatens closure. Healthcare policy watch: A federal “Stop Corporate Takeovers of Physicians Act” was introduced to curb corporate practice of medicine and “friendly PC” structures, targeting MSO models. Local health infrastructure: NOTCH plans to renovate a former St. Albans DMV building to consolidate primary care, with work aimed to finish by fall 2027. Consumer trends: Lawson’s Finest Liquids released its first non-alcoholic beer as alcohol moderation continues. Housing: A new Elm Street Montpelier four-unit project is selling quickly, signaling demand for smaller, accessible homes.

Offshore Wind Legal Fight: Vermont AG Charity Clark joined a multistate lawsuit to block Trump administration deals that cancel offshore wind projects in exchange for $1.4 billion, arguing the payments misuse taxpayer funds and push money into fossil fuel infrastructure. Consumer Protection—Generic Drugs: AG William Tong urged eligible consumers to file claims after a court preliminarily approved a multistate plan to distribute about $96.5 million from settlements over alleged generic-drug price-fixing. Healthcare Policy: Multiple state AGs, including Vermont’s partners, are pushing back on a proposed Trump rule that would limit states’ use of Medicaid provider taxes, shifting more costs to states. Vermont Economy & Industry: VMEC won $812,300 in federal Manufacturing Extension Partnership funding to help Vermont manufacturers adopt advanced tech, starting Oct. 1. Local Business: Chester Hardware’s bankruptcy sale is moving toward a court-approved deal that could bring new ownership by early December. Energy Costs: Vermont truckers and farms are feeling diesel price pressure, with operators saying they’re forced to absorb higher fuel costs.

Healthcare Workforce: Central Vermont Home Health & Hospice (CVHHH) is launching a six-month Nurse Residency in Barre for new nursing grads and experienced nurses, pairing participants with preceptors and funded through a Vermont Rural Health Transformation Program grant. Reproductive Health Access: Vermont Access to Reproductive Freedom (VARF) is partnering with Maitri Healthcare in South Burlington to expand abortion-care capacity, including equipment/supplies funding and patient financial assistance. Economic Development & Housing: A Bennington redevelopment plan called Monument Place—157 housing units plus commercial space in former Energizer buildings—appears to clear a major Act 250 hurdle via a state “priority housing project” exemption. Local Business & Community: The Vermont Professionals of Color Network launched Equity Exchange, an online portal connecting BIPOC professionals and entrepreneurs with white allies offering free services. Energy & Industry: Decommissioning at the former Vermont Yankee site is “99 percent done,” with NorthStar reporting only about $8.5 million left to finish work. Sports/Local Economy: Vermont’s largest shopping center is weighing redevelopment as national mall values improve and tenants shift toward experience-based offerings.

Workforce & Economy: Vermont’s unemployment held steady at 2.6% in August, with the labor force participation rate also unchanged at 62.1%, underscoring a tight hiring market even as more workers retire. Healthcare Workforce: Central Vermont Home Health & Hospice is launching a six-month Nurse Residency for new grads and experienced nurses, funded through a federal rural health transformation grant. Reproductive Health Access: Vermont Access to Reproductive Freedom (VARF) is partnering with Maitri Healthcare in South Burlington to expand abortion care capacity, combining clinic equipment support with patient financial assistance. Business Expansion: Vanguard Renewables will acquire Generate Upcycle’s North American organics recycling operations—adding five digesters in Ontario and New York and boosting renewable natural gas output. Local Politics: St. Albans City voters head to a Nov. 3 race between Rep. Joe Luneau and Suzy Kenyon, with affordability and community priorities front and center. Agriculture & Conservation: A northern Vermont dairy has scaled from 14 cows on 100 acres to a 550-acre conservation-focused operation, working with NRCS on soil, water and wildlife protection. Policy Watch: A federal directive would broaden how endangered species protections apply to logging and development, raising concerns for enforcement and safeguards.

Reproductive Health Access: Vermont Access to Reproductive Freedom (VARF) is partnering with Maitri Healthcare in South Burlington to expand abortion care capacity, pairing clinic equipment and supplies with direct patient financial help. Workforce & Rural Care: Central Vermont Home Health & Hospice (CVHHH) is launching a six-month Nurse Residency program in Barre, funded by a federal Rural Health Transformation grant, to grow the home-health nursing pipeline. Housing & Community Solutions: Cornerstone Housing Partners held its first Rutland County housing expo, connecting renters, homeowners, and local businesses with financing and home-fixing resources as Vermont’s affordability squeeze continues. Energy Assistance Push: Sen. Peter Welch joined a bipartisan letter urging HHS to release LIHEAP funds quickly and at full levels to help low-income households with winter energy bills. Vermont Economy & Growth: A new multi-stakeholder push aims to clarify development near wetlands as Vermont works to speed permits in growth areas, while the state still faces a large affordable-housing gap. Local Business & Tourism: Vermont’s fall festival season is drawing crowds, with Chester hosting two major events that boosted foot traffic for local shops and food vendors. Global Connections: The Vermont Council on World Affairs will host its State of the World Summit in Burlington, linking geopolitics and global economics to Vermont businesses and agriculture.

LIHEAP Funding Push: Sen. Peter Welch joined a bipartisan push urging HHS to release and fully fund Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program dollars fast, warning winter energy bills can’t wait. Housing & Workforce: Central Vermont Home Health & Hospice is launching a six-month Nurse Residency for new grads and experienced nurses, funded by a Vermont Rural Health Transformation grant. Health Access (Reproductive Care): Vermont Access to Reproductive Freedom (VARF) is partnering with Maitri Healthcare in South Burlington to expand abortion-care capacity and help patients with costs. Energy Costs Debate: A new critique argues “clean electricity” mandates in 13 states are driving faster-rising bills, challenging how policymakers price wind and solar reliability. Semiconductor Deal: Marvell and GlobalFoundries expanded their SiGe capacity agreement, boosting Vermont’s role in next-gen optical data-center connectivity. Consumer Finance: AG Jay Jones announced Virginia’s share of a $694 million multistate settlement with Credit Acceptance over predatory auto lending. Local Business & Community: Cornerstone Housing Partners held its first Rutland County housing expo, pairing education on repairs, financing, and affordable options.

Housing & Health Access: Vermont Access to Reproductive Freedom (VARF) is partnering with Maitri Healthcare in South Burlington to expand abortion-care capacity, funding equipment and supplies and adding patient financial assistance. Workforce Development: Central Vermont Home Health & Hospice (CVHHH) is launching a six-month Nurse Residency for new nursing grads and experienced nurses, funded through a Vermont Rural Health Transformation Program grant. Local Economy & Community: Cornerstone Housing Partners held its first housing expo in Rutland County, pairing education on repairs, financing, and affordable housing solutions for renters and homeowners. Real Estate & Growth: St. Albans City Council approved a $1.125 million purchase of the historic Central Vermont Railroad headquarters at 2 Federal Street, with plans likely headed toward mixed-use commercial and residential. Tech & Manufacturing: Marvell and GlobalFoundries expanded a multi-year SiGe production agreement, boosting Burlington-area capacity for data-center optical networking. Civic Life: Vermont Community Leadership Summit returns Oct. 6 with a revised action guide focused on housing, childcare, infrastructure, and local economies. Business Calendar/Traffic: Vermont Business Magazine published statewide highway construction updates for the week of Sept. 21.

Semiconductor expansion: Marvell and GlobalFoundries are boosting silicon germanium (SiGe) production capacity under an expanded deal tied to faster data-center optical connections, with GlobalFoundries’ Burlington site in the spotlight. Local government & real estate: St. Albans City approved a $1.125 million purchase of the historic 2 Federal Street Central Vermont Railroad headquarters, with plans likely headed toward mixed-use commercial and residential. Workforce & healthcare: Central Vermont Home Health & Hospice is launching a six-month Nurse Residency program for new grads and experienced nurses, funded through a federal rural health workforce grant. Business & community finance: The Ron Hance Memorial Golf Classic raised $45,000 for Rutland-area charities via the Heritage Family Cares 4 You Foundation. Civic life & inclusion: The 16th Annual Champlain Valley Buddy Walk is set for Oct. 18 in South Burlington to support programs for people with Down syndrome. Policy & regulation: U.S. Sen. Peter Welch voted against the GOP Farm Bill, saying it falls short on Vermont farmers, SNAP nutrition support, and rural investment. AI policy: Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders is among lawmakers pushing federal AI limits, including a proposed superintelligence ban and a data-center moratorium tied to safety and worker protections. Health access: Vermont Access to Reproductive Freedom (VARF) is partnering with Maitri Healthcare in South Burlington to expand abortion care capacity and provide patient financial assistance.

Healthcare & Workforce: UVM Health Network job cuts are putting employee housing at risk, with some workers facing eviction as employer-owned apartments close in South Burlington. Reproductive Health Access: Vermont Access to Reproductive Freedom (VARF) is partnering with Maitri Healthcare in South Burlington to expand abortion care capacity and help patients with costs. Housing & Development: A new multi-stakeholder push aims to clarify development near wetlands as Vermont continues to chase its affordable-homes gap, with rental inventory improving but still short of targets. Tech & Industry: GlobalFoundries and Marvell are scaling up silicon photonics work tied to AI data centers, expanding SiGe production capacity in Burlington. Energy & Infrastructure: Proposed transmission line projects are drawing bipartisan opposition in the region, with lawmakers calling for more time and input. Public Safety & Policy: A federal appeals court ruled border agents can search travelers’ phones without suspicion, widening the gap between digital privacy norms and border practice. Consumer & Food Safety: Abbott baby formula is set to pay more than $384M after safety allegations, and eggs are recalled in California and Vermont over Salmonella concerns. Business Climate: The Vermont Captive Insurance Association opens a benchmarking survey through Sept. 30 to shape regulation, education, and advocacy.

Healthcare Access & Costs: Vermont Access to Reproductive Freedom (VARF) is partnering with Maitri Healthcare in South Burlington to expand abortion care by funding equipment, supplies, and patient assistance. Semiconductors & AI Supply Chain: GlobalFoundries and Marvell are expanding their silicon-germanium (SiGe) manufacturing capacity at GlobalFoundries’ Burlington fab to support next-generation optical networking for AI data centers. Consumer Protection: Attorneys general led a $694 million settlement with subprime auto lender Credit Acceptance, requiring risk disclosures and protections against dealer “packing” add-ons; Vermont’s housing market also gets a data point as Grand Isle County’s typical home value rose to $463,065 in August. Local Business & Community: National Trust for Local News is buying Vermont Community Newspaper Group’s five northern Vermont weeklies, keeping local staff and leadership. Energy & Infrastructure: Vermont’s I-89 and other state highway construction plans for Sept. 21-27 include paving and bridge work with lane closures and speed limits. Civic & Workforce: BDCC brings BizConnect back to Brattleboro with a free Headshots & Handshakes networking event Oct. 20.

AI & Regulation: Anthropic says more than a quarter of its R&D is now led by its chatbot Claude, as AI “existential” fears and calls for guardrails keep heating up ahead of the election. Consumer & Competition: Vermont is watching a major multistate push against predatory auto lending—Vermont AG Griffin joined a $694 million Credit Acceptance settlement with cash and debt relief plus new consumer protections. Healthcare Costs: The Green Mountain Care Board is tightening hospital budgets, pressing systems to find savings and limit reliance on commercial insurer revenue—an issue hospitals say could affect long-term sustainability. State Politics & Taxes: Gov. Phil Scott’s team signals tighter spending to make room for tax relief, setting up a sharp contrast with Democratic challenger Amanda Janoo. Local Business & Community: Barre hired Killington’s just-resigned manager, while Bennington approved zoning and a levy cut tied to Neumeyer Farm Phase 2 and a downtown improvement idea. Trade Pressure on Tourism: U.S.-Canadian tensions are hitting Vermont attractions, with operators leaning more on domestic visitors to offset Canadian declines.