AGP Executive Report

Vermont Energy & AI Oversight: Gov. Phil Scott’s veto of H.727—meant to curb the financial and environmental fallout from large AI data centers—drew sharp backlash after Democrats, Independents, and Progressives backed an attempted override that fell short. Federal Courts & Food Aid: A judge temporarily blocked USDA from forcing states to follow Trump administration gender and immigration conditions to keep billions in SNAP and other funding. AI Wealth Plans: Sam Altman met privately with Sen. Bernie Sanders after Sanders’ push for the public to hold a 50% stake in AI firms; Trump also floated a White House partnership idea to let Americans benefit from AI success. Vermont Health & Pesticides: Vermont became the first state to ban paraquat, citing its link to Parkinson’s disease, with a phase-out plan for current users. Maine Senate Fallout: Democrats are scrambling over Graham Platner amid new allegations, as he rallies supporters ahead of the primary. Local Housing Pressure: Mobile home residents in Colorado are pursuing a $42.5M buyout of their park to avoid rent hikes and redevelopment. Vermont Public Safety: A Woodstock man was arraigned on charges tied to luring a child and possession of child sexual abuse material.

Data Center Fight: Vermont lawmakers failed to override Gov. Phil Scott’s veto of H.727, a bill meant to curb the financial and environmental fallout of large AI data centers; supporters say the veto leaves Vermonters exposed to higher utility bills and pollution. Public Health Policy: Vermont became the first state to ban paraquat, an herbicide linked to Parkinson’s disease, with a phase-out plan and calls for other states to follow. Maine Senate Drama: Democratic Senate hopeful Graham Platner told supporters Maine “has my back” amid fresh allegations and fallout from a New York Times report, as the party weighs whether the controversies will sink the race. AI Wealth Debate: Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders met with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman after Sanders pushed a plan for the public to own a 50% stake in AI companies, while Trump floated a White House partnership idea. SNAP Legal Setback: A federal judge blocked new Trump-era SNAP funding conditions, pausing enforcement while a lawsuit proceeds. Vermont Tech Spotlight: Vermont-based Beta Technologies showcased electric aircraft in Burlington, aiming to reshape short-haul aviation with cleaner, quieter flights. Energy Prices: GasBuddy reported the week ending May 30 saw Addison County’s lowest regular at $4.29 and midgrade at $4.89, with statewide averages easing.

AI & Vermont Governance: Rep. Kathleen James says Gov. Scott’s veto of H.727—aimed at shielding Vermonters from harms of large-scale AI data centers—failed in a late-session override attempt, 83-52, falling short of the two-thirds threshold. Vermont Aviation: A Vermont-based startup, Beta Technologies, is pitching its electric Alia CX300 for short regional routes, with revenue-cargo flights expected later this year and full certification targeted for late 2027. Public Safety: James Townsend of Woodstock was arraigned on charges including luring a child and possession of child sexual abuse material, stemming from a Vermont Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force investigation. Federal Politics & AI: Trump says he’s exploring the federal government acquiring “pieces” of major AI firms, while Sam Altman reportedly met with Sen. Bernie Sanders about public equity in AI. National Security Oversight: Vermont Rep. Becca Balint backed a House war powers resolution to block further U.S. strikes on Iran. Local Law Enforcement: Addison County State’s Attorney Eva Vekos and Windsor County Sheriff Ryan Palmer won’t seek reelection after legal troubles and refusal to resign. Education Disruption: Montpelier-area schools faced bomb-threat “swatting” calls; police say there was no credible threat and the incidents appear linked to a swatting pattern.

Vermont AI & energy policy: Gov. Scott’s veto of H.727, aimed at shielding Vermonters from future large-scale AI data center impacts, held after Democrats tried (and failed) to override on the final day of session. Maine Senate politics: The Platner saga keeps expanding as new reporting renews questions about allegations of abuse and a Nazi-linked tattoo, while top Democrats debate how much risk to accept ahead of the Maine primary. Public safety: “Swatting” hoax threats hit multiple Montpelier schools, prompting lockdowns and evacuations before police said there was no credible threat; officials call the pattern increasingly common. Social Security: A new report warns retirees could face roughly a 24% benefit cut by 2032—about $500 a month in some states—if Congress doesn’t act. Local governance & schools: Windsor County Senate races are drawing a crowded Democratic field as incumbents and open-seat dynamics reshape Upper Valley politics. Statehouse churn: Vermont’s biennium ends with major leadership turnover, with more than 30 House members and three senators set to leave, reshaping committee power for 2027. Agriculture: Vermont awarded $1 million in Farm to School grants to expand school gardens, outdoor classrooms, and local food programs. Clean power: Burlington Electric Department approved new hydro power purchase agreements to replace expiring contracts and secure renewable supply.

Juvenile Justice: Vermont will build a permanent 14-bed Green Mountain Youth Center in South Burlington to replace the closed Woodside Youth Rehabilitation Center, with an eight-bed crisis unit and six-bed residential treatment program—though the state’s child advocate calls it a detention facility. Health Care Policy: Vermont lawmakers passed a bill to speed up reference-based pricing tied to Medicare benchmarks, but Republicans opposed it and Gov. Phil Scott may veto, raising fresh questions about how to tackle Vermont’s high premiums. AI & Data Centers: Gov. Scott’s veto of H.727 blocks protections aimed at future large-scale AI data centers; the fight is part of a broader national push over electricity, water, and neighborhood impacts. Civil Rights Staffing: After layoffs and a backlog at the Education Department’s Office for Civil Rights, a contractor pulled job postings for new civil rights attorneys after scrutiny over pay and cost. Public Safety: A Caledonia County jury found Jonathan Fox of Barre guilty of lewd and lascivious conduct with a child; sentencing is pending. Immigration Enforcement Oversight: Burlington officials say police didn’t violate use-of-force or fair policing rules during a March 11 ICE operation, while the Police Commission disputes parts of the findings. Maine Politics: Vermont’s political orbit stays locked on U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner as new allegations from an ex-girlfriend add to an already crowded controversy. Housing Access: Renters nationwide are paying non-refundable application and screening fees, with reports that screening data isn’t portable. Community & Culture: Vermont Land Trust honored students with Land Steward Awards for farming and forestry work.

Vermont Housing & Courts: Fair Haven mobile home park residents are scrambling as a September closure nears, with families—especially children—pushing for state and local help while the state housing gap widens. Vermont Education Reform: A new analysis says Vermont’s school merger process isn’t really voluntary, with financial and timeline pressures starting before the funding formula fully kicks in. Public Safety & Justice: A former Rutland County superintendent and her husband pleaded not guilty in a teen’s alcohol-related death case, accused of enabling underage drinking. State Government & Services: Vermont plans to expand in-state treatment for justice-involved youth with complex needs, aiming to avoid out-of-state placements. Privacy & Surveillance: A Manchester license plate reader debate highlights concerns about privacy, security, and potential federal access. Health & Environment: Vermont’s paraquat ban is now law, with a phase-in period and special permissions required until 2030. National Politics With Vermont Ties: Senate Democrats—including Bernie Sanders—pressed Maine’s Graham Platner on whether more allegations could surface amid the texting scandal. Economy & Daily Life: Social Security faces a looming shortfall, with analyses warning retirees could see roughly $500/month less by 2032.

Social Security Crunch: A new analysis warns Social Security retirement benefits could drop about $500 a month on average by 2032 if Congress doesn’t act, with Vermont among the states facing steep exposure. Vermont Politics & Governance: Gov. Phil Scott marked the end of the legislative session by pointing to property tax relief, transportation fund fixes, and a rollback of parts of Act 181, while education remains the big fight going into election season. Education & Workforce: Community College of Vermont is set to graduate nearly 500 students this weekend, highlighting the state’s ongoing push to grow career pathways. Public Safety: Vermont State Police reported an arrest in St. Johnsbury involving an in-state warrant and false information to law enforcement. Local Elections: Manchester voters elected Jackie Wilson to the select board in a special election. Federal Legal/Policy: Vermont’s broader policy landscape is also being shaped by national fights, including a coalition lawsuit challenging a federal student loan rule that limits access for professional degree programs. Community Life: The Vermont Mountaineers are gearing up for summer baseball with a hometown pitcher and community-run nonprofit support.

Offshore Wind Legal Fight: Vermont and six other states joined New York in suing the Trump administration over a $1 billion “pay-not-to-play” deal that would cancel offshore wind leases and steer money to fossil projects, arguing it violates federal law and threatens jobs and climate goals. Social Security Crunch: A new analysis warns Social Security could trigger an automatic 24% benefit cut in 2032, averaging about $500 less per month for retirees, with Vermont-area impacts varying by state. Vermont Politics & Policy: U.S. Sen. Peter Welch pressed the Forest Service chief over a reorganization plan that could weaken research capacity tied to Vermont’s Green Mountain National Forest. Housing in Burlington: Burlington’s South End coordinated redevelopment is moving forward, with city sign-off and funding commitments aimed at hundreds of new apartments on Lakeside Avenue. Animal Welfare: Vermont’s first Animal Welfare Division director says lawmakers made only modest changes this session, leaving broader modernization without funding. Community & Safety: Schools in Newport, Winooski, and Montpelier faced bomb threats that police say appear consistent with swatting. Local Culture: Make Music Vermont is inviting statewide participation in a free June 21 live-music day.

Vermont Politics & Campaigns: Vermont State Treasurer Mike Pieciak says he’s running for a third term (and not for governor), while Molly Gray makes the case for lieutenant governor in Brattleboro, pitching her experience in Washington and state government. State Government & Policy: Governor Phil Scott’s “Capital for a Day” tour heads to Rutland County Friday, with a cabinet meeting and stops including the Rutland County World War II Monument site. Energy & Legal Fight: Vermont Attorney General joins a multi-state lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s offshore wind “buyout” deal with TotalEnergies, arguing the cancellation was unlawful and threatens jobs and clean-energy goals. Public Health & Rights: A Supreme Court decision lets Vermont’s Meta youth-harm lawsuit proceed, keeping pressure on the tech giant over alleged harms to minors. Local Governance: Milton planning commission applicants frame growth pressures around Route 7 and the Hourglass development as they seek to shape zoning and the comprehensive plan. Community & Economy: UVM’s RISE Summit June 16 spotlights “AI and the Future Rural Economy,” focusing on partnerships to build rural prosperity.

Homelessness Policy: Vermont lawmakers’ latest push to make sheltering more predictable—H.938 creating a “Homelessness Response Continuum” and limiting hotel-motel voucher rooms to 700 in warm months and 1,000 in cold—heads to Gov. Phil Scott for a signature decision. Public Safety & Courts: A Rutland man, Joshua Pelland, pleaded not guilty Monday after a Dorr Drive standoff that followed a domestic assault call involving threats with a knife; he’s held without bail. Local Government: Montpelier approved $81,040 for a River’s Edge Master Plan with a resilience foundation, aiming at flood mitigation, dam removal, and bridge improvements. Elections & Leadership: Windham County candidates filed for the Aug. 11 primary, with races across state House and Senate seats and key statewide contests. Immigration Enforcement: A major AP-KFF investigation says ICE detainees across at least 33 states report medical neglect, including untreated cancer and festering infections—an issue Vermont officials and advocates have been watching closely. Energy & Law: Vermont AG William Tong joined a multi-state lawsuit challenging a Trump administration deal to pay TotalEnergies nearly $1 billion to cancel offshore wind leases, arguing it’s unlawful. Tech & Economy: Sen. Bernie Sanders renewed his push for an “AI sovereign wealth fund” that could send direct payments to Americans as AI profits grow. Community & Culture: Vermont radio stations are scrambling after CBS News Radio shut down, switching to alternative national news feeds.

Vermont Legislature Wraps Education Overhaul: Lawmakers approved the Education Transformation Bill (H.955), aiming for predictable funding and moving away from forced district mergers, as the session adjourned after a long education-and-budget negotiation. Local Government & Public Safety: Burlington’s police use-of-force review tied to a March ICE raid found officers’ actions “objectively reasonable,” while Gilford promoted Deputy Chief Dustin Parent to chief. Statehouse to Campaign Trail: Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders said he’s still backing Maine Senate hopeful Graham Platner despite the sexting controversy, urging focus on “working families” issues. Health Policy Watch: A Senate-passed Rural Community Hospital Demonstration reauthorization would extend a Medicare pilot that includes Brattleboro Memorial Hospital. Community & Civic Life: UVM’s RISE Summit (June 16) spotlights “AI and the Future Rural Economy,” and the Special Olympics Vermont Law Enforcement Torch Run runs through June 5. Local Politics: Katarina Lisaius announced her run for a Vermont House seat in the Washington-Chittenden district after Rep. Tom Stevens said he’ll step down.

Vermont Politics & Policy: Gov. Phil Scott vetoed a bill that would have added new rules for AI data centers, saying Vermont already has enough oversight to protect the state’s competitiveness. Privacy & Tech Governance: Vermont lawmakers passed a consumer data privacy bill giving residents an opt-out from targeted advertising and requiring consent for “sensitive” data processing; it heads to the governor. Cannabis Law: The Legislature advanced a bill doubling adult-use possession limits and making other regulatory tweaks, now awaiting Scott’s action. Courts & Accountability: A D.C. appeals court partly remanded an NLRB ruling in a Vermont workplace-pay dispute, narrowing what communications can be treated as protected activity. Local Government Watch: In Norwich, a resident filed another Public Records Act lawsuit over alleged improper handling of selectboard emails and fees. Education & Community: Woodstock’s new school project cleared a major state-aid obstacle by decoupling certain capital costs from Vermont’s excess spending threshold, though hurdles remain. Public Safety Benefits: “Jessica’s Law” expanded Vermont survivor benefits for families of first responders killed in the line of duty. National Stakes for Vermont: Sen. Bernie Sanders pushed an AI “sovereign wealth” plan to give the public a 50% stake in major AI companies.

Maine Senate Shake-Up: Graham Platner’s campaign is roiled again after reports say his wife, Amy Gertner, told campaign officials about sexually explicit texts he allegedly sent to other women during their marriage—an issue aides reportedly treated as “private” while the campaign moved forward. Vermont Child Care Funding: Vermont child care leaders say the 2025-26 biennium delivered “historic investment,” citing record funding for the Child Care Financial Assistance Program, new openings, and thousands of new spaces and jobs. Marijuana Policy Watch: After DOJ rescheduled medical marijuana, Vermont and other states are still waiting on clearer federal guidance on what changes for businesses next. Education & Local Budgets: Alburgh school officials will bring a revised $8.2M budget back to voters after earlier rejections, with a new election set for early June. Vermont Governance: Vermont lawmakers adjourned after major education reform and budget work, while a state data privacy bill moved toward signing. Environment & Energy Debate: Vermont’s nuclear moratorium faces fresh calls to reconsider, alongside coverage of the state’s ban on paraquat tied to Parkinson’s risk.

Child Care Funding: Vermont child-care advocates say the 2025-26 legislative push delivered record Child Care Financial Assistance Program funding, new openings, and thousands of new spaces and jobs—while warning federal uncertainty still looms. Medical Marijuana Policy: A federal DOJ rescheduling of medical cannabis is expected to unlock some tax benefits and new research, but Vermont and other states still face a messy, split federal-state landscape as regulators weigh what comes next. Vermont Nuclear Debate: A letter urges Vermont to reconsider its outdated nuclear moratorium, arguing modern small modular reactors could provide reliable, zero-emission power. Education & Governance: As lawmakers wrap up, coverage highlights how education reform and governance changes are moving toward signature, with ongoing fights over funding and district structure. Maine Senate Scandal Spillover: Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders’ endorsement of Maine candidate Graham Platner is getting fresh scrutiny amid reports that Platner’s wife flagged sexually explicit texts to campaign staff—adding to the tattoo controversy and intensifying the race narrative. Lottery Results: Vermont Lottery draw results were published for May 30, including Powerball, Pick 3, and Megabucks.

Maine Senate drama: Vermont-linked Democrat Graham Platner’s campaign is facing fresh scrutiny after the Wall Street Journal reported that his wife told campaign staff about sexually explicit texts she found on his phone soon after he launched his U.S. Senate bid—an internal “risk” check that ultimately kept plans moving. Vermont legislature wrap: After nearly two weeks of overtime, Vermont lawmakers adjourned with a major education reform package and budget measures, including next steps that pressure districts to consolidate without forcing mergers, plus caps tied to future spending. State politics leadership shakeup: Gov. Phil Scott announced he’ll seek a sixth term, while House Speaker Jill Krowinski said she won’t run for reelection—raising questions about who leads the Vermont House and Senate. Health policy: U.S. senators highlighted passage of a bipartisan rural hospital extension that keeps Medicare pilot funding alive in states including Vermont. Environment & agriculture: Gov. Scott signed Vermont’s first-in-the-nation ban on paraquat, a weed killer linked to Parkinson’s risk, with a limited orchard/berry permit window. Cannabis business: Lake Effect Vermont is opening a permanent new location in South Hero on June 10. Elections watch: Washington County’s August primary filing deadline left only two contested races.

Education Reform Wrap-Up: Vermont lawmakers adjourned Friday after nearly two weeks of overtime, ending a session dominated by education overhaul talks and a budget fight; the final package keeps district mergers voluntary, adds regional resource-sharing, and sets a new funding framework aimed at easing property-tax pressure. Leadership Shake-Up: House Speaker Jill Krowinski said she won’t seek reelection, while Gov. Phil Scott announced he’ll run for a sixth term—raising questions about who will lead the House and Senate next. Data Privacy: A Vermont consumer data privacy bill is poised for signing despite lingering doubts from advocates about how strong the protections really are. Public Health Policy: Gov. Scott signed Vermont’s first-in-the-nation ban on paraquat, a weed killer linked to Parkinson’s risk, with limited exemptions through 2030. National Guard Deployment: More than 500 Vermont National Guard soldiers were honored before a Middle East deployment tied to CENTCOM. Cannabis Market: Lawmakers scaled back a proposal to expand Vermont’s retail cannabis marketplace, including dropping a direct-delivery pilot for growers. Local Business: Lake Effect Vermont announced a June 10 grand opening at a new South Hero location.