Budget cuts final
The Legislative Joint Fiscal Committee has reached an agreement with the Dean administration on a plan to cut this year’s state budget. Lawmakers avoided some difficult cuts by using surplus money from a number of special funds, but the plan does include a reduction of state employees and some human service cuts. (Listen to the story online or read the transcript.) (VPR)
Fire danger
Southern Vermont has a “moderate” fire danger rating according to the state’s Department of Forests and Parks. (VPR)
FAHC certificate of need
Officials at Fletcher Allen Health Care of Burlington say they will seek state approval for a new $12.2 million computer system. Last month, the state ordered the hospital to stop work on installation of $9 million computer system because it lacked approval. (VPR)
Wyeth layoffs
Franklin County’s largest private employer is shedding 75 jobs. Wyeth Nutritionals of Georgia announced last week that it would be laying people off, reducing its total work force to about 300. The layoffs are effective today. (VPR)