Interview: Ryegate Paper Mill
This evening, the residents of Ryegate, VT will gather to look a gift horse in the mouth. The town has been offered ownership of a closed paper mill and 25 acres of land for next to nothing. But there is a catch or two. VPR’s Steve Delaney interviews Andy Smith, who is chairman of the Ryegate Selectboard and will preside over tonight’s meeting. (VPR)
Senate Budget
With very little debate, the Senate yesterday afternoon gave its preliminary approval to the state budget for the year. The vote on the bill was 19 to 8. The proposal increases state spending by roughly 5%. (VPR)
State Revenues
Administration Secretary Kathy Hoyt says it’s likely that the state will need to take roughly $25 million from its rainy day fund to balance this year’s budget. (VPR)
Ben & Jerry’s
Ben and Jerry’s has announced it will close two Vermont manufacturing plants. The ice cream maker announced Monday that it will shut down facilities in Springfield and Bellows Falls. The move will affect about 120 workers. (VPR)
Lambert Steps Down
Vermont Commerce Secretary Molly Lambert will resign from her post July 1 to serve as the new president of the Vermont Captive Insurance Association. Lambert says that as the Dean administration winds down it’s final year, the time is right to move on. (VPR)
Senate Budget
With very little debate, the Senate yesterday afternoon gave its preliminary approval to the state budget for the year. The vote on the bill was 19 to 8. The proposal increases state spending by roughly 5%. (VPR)
State Revenues
Administration Secretary Kathy Hoyt says it’s likely that the state will need to take roughly $25 million from its rainy day fund to balance this year’s budget. (VPR)
Ben & Jerry’s
Ben and Jerry’s has announced it will close two Vermont manufacturing plants. The ice cream maker announced Monday that it will shut down facilities in Springfield and Bellows Falls. The move will affect about 120 workers. (VPR)
Lambert Steps Down
Vermont Commerce Secretary Molly Lambert will resign from her post July 1 to serve as the new president of the Vermont Captive Insurance Association. Lambert says that as the Dean administration winds down it’s final year, the time is right to move on. (VPR)
Tax Collection
Vermont state revenues are up for April. That may be because collections are reported more efficiently this year. Receipts that would have been entered in May were entered in April and may create an apparent decline in May receipts. (AP)
Smuggler’s Notch
One sign of spring is the annual re-opening of Vermont Route 108 through Smuggler’s Notch. It opened yesterday after some remaining snow was cleared. (AP)
NH Senate Race
Former President Bill Clinton is raising money for New Hampshire Governor Jeanne Shaheen, who is running for the U.S. Senate. Shaheen’s Republican opponent will be either incumbent Senator Bob Smith or his challenger, Congressman John Sununu. (AP)