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Kathleen James VT State Representative

4 days ago

Kathleen James VT State Representative

HOT OFF THE PRESS:
REP. JAMES AND BONGARTZ TOWN MEETING REPORT

Click on the link below to download the 2021 Town Meeting Report from Reps. Kathleen James and Seth Bongartz.

It's an extensive midsession update with information on our committee work, the FY22 state budget, the COVID relief bill that recently passed the House, the Vermont State Colleges transformation plan, projected property tax rates, Vermont's unfunded pension liability, and proposed legislation on childcare, broadband buildout, healthcare, housing and more.

It's an honor to represent Arlington, Manchester, Sandgate and Sunderland in the Vermont General Assembly!

https://kathjamesforstaterep.com/wp-content/… ... See MoreSee Less

HOT OFF THE PRESS: REP. JAMES AND BONGARTZ TOWN MEETING REPORT Click on the link below to download the 2021 Town Meeting Report from Reps. Kathleen James and Seth Bongartz. Its an extensive midsession update with information on our committee work, the FY22 state budget, the COVID relief bill that recently passed the House, the Vermont State Colleges transformation plan, projected property tax rates, Vermonts unfunded pension liability, and proposed legislation on childcare, broadband buildout, healthcare, housing and more. Its an honor to represent Arlington, Manchester, Sandgate and Sunderland in the Vermont General Assembly! https://kathjamesforstaterep.com/wp-content/uploads/Kath-and-Seth-2021-TMR-FINAL-FINAL.pdf
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Kathleen James VT State Representative

5 days ago

Kathleen James VT State Representative

GOVERNOR PHIL SCOTT ANNOUNCES NEXT PHASE OF
VERMONT’S VACCINE ROLLOUT: HIGH-RISK CONDITIONS, TEACHERS AND CHILDCARE PROVIDERS, MORE FIRST RESPONDERS >>

Montpelier, Vt. – Governor Phil Scott today announced that the next phase of the State’s vaccination efforts will begin on March 8 for Vermonters with certain high-risk conditions. With additional supply coming to the state, Governor Scott also unveiled a new track of the vaccine rollout starting next week to include school staff and childcare providers, as well as an expansion of the definition of first responders under Phase 1A.

“Our strategy since the start has been to protect those most at risk and to preserve life. We know age is a top risk factor, and we’re already seeing the positive impacts of our strategy with deaths declining and decreasing case counts amongst our elderly population,” said Governor Scott. “With Johnson & Johnson receiving approval over the weekend, on top of increased supply from Moderna and Pfizer, we’ll be able to scale up and move quicker to get more people vaccinated.”

High-Risk Health Conditions

People with high-risk conditions, which includes approximately 75,000 Vermonters, will be divided into two segments: Phase 5A (Vermonters 55 years old and above with high-risk conditions) will be eligible to register beginning March 8, and Phase 5B (Vermonters 16 and older with high-risk conditions) can register beginning March 15. These groups will be able to register through the State’s standard registration process once their category is opened.

In addition to previously announced high-risk conditions, this phase will also include current cancer, heart disease, pregnancy and disabilities that involve chromosomal disorders, such as Down syndrome and those with compromised lung function. People with these conditions will not need to get documentation of these conditions to receive the vaccine. The full list of conditions can be seen at healthvermont.gov/MyVaccine.

Dr. Levine explained the state developed the list of conditions based on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and was refined using Vermont-specific data.

“We’re glad to be that much closer to protecting these Vermonters, who, as the data shows, are at higher risk for severe illness and death from COVID-19,” said Dr. Levine.

Education System: School Staff and Child Care Providers

Beginning next week, the State will begin to offer teachers and school staff and childcare providers the option of registering for clinics in their district. Alternatively, this group will be able to make appointments for the two-dose Pfizer or Moderna vaccine at Walgreens, which is part of the federal pharmacy program.

“As our mental health data shows, our kids are not doing well and there have been serious public health impacts due to the limitations of hybrid and remote learning,” said Governor Scott. “We know getting our kids back in school for in-person instruction five days a week is essential, and this is a step forward on that goal.”

Public Safety System: Extension of Group 1A

The State will expand the definition of first responders to include police staff such as sergeants, lieutenants, and others, 911 call takers who are needed to direct personnel to emergencies, and staff who work in state correctional facilities that house detainees and incarcerated individuals. A list of these employees will be given to Walgreens to allow for registration through that program, and correctional facilities will also have the option of onsite clinics.

“With our additional supply – in parallel with our age banding and high-risk condition strategy – we can make these changes with a focus on getting and keeping the public safety and education systems fully operational, with an emphasis on the well-being of our kids,” added Governor Scott.

The State will provide more details on registration for these groups later this week.

Vaccination Progress

These announcements come as Vermont surpassed the milestone of 100,000 people receiving at least their first dose. Registration opened to Vermonters age 65 and older on Monday and as of Tuesday morning, more than 20,000 people in this age group had registered for an appointment. By March 15, all those over the age of 16 who are at the highest risk of severe illness and death - whether due to age or a health condition - will be eligible to register for their vaccine.

State officials also welcomed the upcoming introduction of the newly approved Johnson & Johnson vaccine into the state’s vaccine supply.

“This third vaccine will be a game-changer,” said Dr. Levine. “It means more of us can get vaccinated more quickly — our pathway out of this pandemic.”

The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is rated as highly effective at preventing serious illness, as are the two vaccines we already have. It’s a single shot that can be kept in normal refrigeration, which makes it easier to distribute and administer. Data for this vaccine showed 100% protection against hospitalization, ICU admission and death. “This is the protection that matters most,” Dr. Levine said.

Human Services Secretary Mike Smith announced that vaccine allocation from the federal government will allow the state to increase its capacity to administer vaccines to 25,000 first doses of vaccine per week by March 15, and to 35,000 per week by the end of the month.

For information about getting vaccinated and to register for an appointment if eligible, visit healthvermont.gov/MyVaccine. Anyone who is unable to make their appointment online, needs help, or who wants to speak with someone in a language other than English can call 855-722-7878. The call center is open Monday through Friday 8:15 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. ... See MoreSee Less

GOVERNOR PHIL SCOTT ANNOUNCES NEXT PHASE OF VERMONT’S VACCINE ROLLOUT: HIGH-RISK CONDITIONS, TEACHERS AND CHILDCARE PROVIDERS, MORE FIRST RESPONDERS data-recalc-dims=> Montpelier, Vt. – Governor Phil Scott today announced that the next phase of the State’s vaccination efforts will begin on March 8 for Vermonters with certain high-risk conditions. With additional supply coming to the state, Governor Scott also unveiled a new track of the vaccine rollout starting next week to include school staff and childcare providers, as well as an expansion of the definition of first responders under Phase 1A. “Our strategy since the start has been to protect those most at risk and to preserve life. We know age is a top risk factor, and we’re already seeing the positive impacts of our strategy with deaths declining and decreasing case counts amongst our elderly population,” said Governor Scott. “With Johnson & Johnson receiving approval over the weekend, on top of increased supply from Moderna and Pfizer, we’ll be able to scale up and move quicker to get more people vaccinated.” High-Risk Health Conditions People with high-risk conditions, which includes approximately 75,000 Vermonters, will be divided into two segments: Phase 5A (Vermonters 55 years old and above with high-risk conditions) will be eligible to register beginning March 8, and Phase 5B (Vermonters 16 and older with high-risk conditions) can register beginning March 15. These groups will be able to register through the State’s standard registration process once their category is opened. In addition to previously announced high-risk conditions, this phase will also include current cancer, heart disease, pregnancy and disabilities that involve chromosomal disorders, such as Down syndrome and those with compromised lung function. People with these conditions will not need to get documentation of these conditions to receive the vaccine. The full list of conditions can be seen at healthvermont.gov/MyVaccine. Dr. Levine explained the state developed the list of conditions based on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and was refined using Vermont-specific data. “We’re glad to be that much closer to protecting these Vermonters, who, as the data shows, are at higher risk for severe illness and death from COVID-19,” said Dr. Levine. Education System: School Staff and Child Care Providers Beginning next week, the State will begin to offer teachers and school staff and childcare providers the option of registering for clinics in their district. Alternatively, this group will be able to make appointments for the two-dose Pfizer or Moderna vaccine at Walgreens, which is part of the federal pharmacy program. “As our mental health data shows, our kids are not doing well and there have been serious public health impacts due to the limitations of hybrid and remote learning,” said Governor Scott. “We know getting our kids back in school for in-person instruction five days a week is essential, and this is a step forward on that goal.” Public Safety System: Extension of Group 1A The State will expand the definition of first responders to include police staff such as sergeants, lieutenants, and others, 911 call takers who are needed to direct personnel to emergencies, and staff who work in state correctional facilities that house detainees and incarcerated individuals. A list of these employees will be given to Walgreens to allow for registration through that program, and correctional facilities will also have the option of onsite clinics. “With our additional supply – in parallel with our age banding and high-risk condition strategy – we can make these changes with a focus on getting and keeping the public safety and education systems fully operational, with an emphasis on the well-being of our kids,” added Governor Scott. The State will provide more details on registration for these groups later this week. Vaccination Progress These announcements come as Vermont surpassed the milestone of 100,000 people receiving at least their first dose. Registration opened to Vermonters age 65 and older on Monday and as of Tuesday morning, more than 20,000 people in this age group had registered for an appointment. By March 15, all those over the age of 16 who are at the highest risk of severe illness and death - whether due to age or a health condition - will be eligible to register for their vaccine. State officials also welcomed the upcoming introduction of the newly approved Johnson & Johnson vaccine into the state’s vaccine supply. “This third vaccine will be a game-changer,” said Dr. Levine. “It means more of us can get vaccinated more quickly — our pathway out of this pandemic.” The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is rated as highly effective at preventing serious illness, as are the two vaccines we already have. It’s a single shot that can be kept in normal refrigeration, which makes it easier to distribute and administer. Data for this vaccine showed 100% protection against hospitalization, ICU admission and death. “This is the protection that matters most,” Dr. Levine said. Human Services Secretary Mike Smith announced that vaccine allocation from the federal government will allow the state to increase its capacity to administer vaccines to 25,000 first doses of vaccine per week by March 15, and to 35,000 per week by the end of the month. For information about getting vaccinated and to register for an appointment if eligible, visit healthvermont.gov/MyVaccine. Anyone who is unable to make their appointment online, needs help, or who wants to speak with someone in a language other than English can call 855-722-7878. The call center is open Monday through Friday 8:15 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m." data-querystring="_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-3&_nc_sid=8024bb&_nc_ohc=w2afdK9sLp8AX-DCNc4&_nc_ht=scontent-sjc3-1.xx&oh=a58bd8c7e44e7a57c2449d1522064ea9&oe=606AC727" data-ratio="1200" class="cff-multi-image" />
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Kathleen James VT State Representative

5 days ago

Kathleen James VT State Representative

TOWN MEETING DAY 2021: YOUR VOTE IS YOUR VOICE!

It's Town Meeting Day and polls are open to vote in person or drop off your ballot until 7 pm. I miss attending our community meetings in person, but the discussion at online informational meetings has still been lively! So far, Seth and I have presented legislative updates during Zoom meetings for the Taconic and Green school district and the towns of Sunderland, Manchester and Arlington. Sandgate will hold its in-person meeting in early May. Your vote is your voice! We'll be publishing our traditional Town Meeting Report on social media within a day or two: Stay tuned! Seth Bongartz for VT State Representative ... See MoreSee Less

TOWN MEETING DAY 2021: YOUR VOTE IS YOUR VOICE! Its Town Meeting Day and polls are open to vote in person or drop off your ballot until 7 pm. I miss attending our community meetings in person, but the discussion at online informational meetings has still been lively! So far, Seth and I have presented legislative updates during Zoom meetings for the Taconic and Green school district and the towns of Sunderland, Manchester and Arlington. Sandgate will hold its in-person meeting in early May. Your vote is your voice! Well be publishing our traditional Town Meeting Report on social media within a day or two: Stay tuned! Seth Bongartz for VT State RepresentativeImage attachmentImage attachment+2Image attachment
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Kathleen James VT State Representative

1 week ago

Kathleen James VT State Representative

REMINDER: VERMONT'S MULTI-HOUSEHOLD GATHERING BAN IS STILL IN EFFECT

As vaccine rollout moves ahead and we start to see the light at the end of the long pandemic tunnel, it's important that Vermonters and visitors continue to stay informed and follow the state's COVID-19 safety guidelines that are still in effect. The link below has all of the latest information — updated on February 26 — including the following highlights:

You are not allowed to gather with people you don’t live with. This includes all inside and outside social and entertainment gatherings, and in public and private spaces.

If you are fully vaccinated (it has been 14 days since your final vaccine dose), you may gather with one other household at a time, even if the people in the household are not vaccinated.

You can do outdoor recreation and fitness activities with people you don’t live with, like biking, hiking, walking, running, hunting and fishing, skiing, snowboarding, skating, snow machining and other no-contact outdoor activities. However, you must stay at least 6 feet away from people you don’t live with and wear a mask at all times. Do not gather at trailheads, access areas or other outdoor facilities before or after the activity.

If you do gather with people you don’t live with, you should quarantine. Quarantine means staying home and away from other people for 14 days. The Health Department strongly encourages you to get tested before the gathering, as soon as 2 days after the gathering, and again 7 days after the gathering.

This is no time to let up!

... See MoreSee Less

REMINDER: VERMONTS MULTI-HOUSEHOLD GATHERING BAN IS STILL IN EFFECT As vaccine rollout moves ahead and we start to see the light at the end of the long pandemic tunnel, its important that Vermonters and visitors continue to stay informed and follow the states COVID-19 safety guidelines that are still in effect. The link below has all of the latest information — updated on February 26 — including the following highlights: You are not allowed to gather with people you don’t live with. This includes all inside and outside social and entertainment gatherings, and in public and private spaces. If you are fully vaccinated (it has been 14 days since your final vaccine dose), you may gather with one other household at a time, even if the people in the household are not vaccinated. You can do outdoor recreation and fitness activities with people you don’t live with, like biking, hiking, walking, running, hunting and fishing, skiing, snowboarding, skating, snow machining and other no-contact outdoor activities. However, you must stay at least 6 feet away from people you don’t live with and wear a mask at all times. Do not gather at trailheads, access areas or other outdoor facilities before or after the activity. If you do gather with people you don’t live with, you should quarantine. Quarantine means staying home and away from other people for 14 days. The Health Department strongly encourages you to get tested before the gathering, as soon as 2 days after the gathering, and again 7 days after the gathering. This is no time to let up! https://apps.health.vermont.gov/COVID/faq/#4761
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Kathleen James VT State Representative

1 week ago

Kathleen James VT State Representative

Thanks to my friend and colleague Rep. Kelly MacLaury Pajala for this thoughtful and spot-on message of inclusion. As Kelly so aptly says, no one benefits from tribalism, nativism, xenophobia, or rhetoric that fuels an "us vs. them" mentality. Vermont thrives when all are welcome here. ... See MoreSee Less

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What was it?

He was on VT edition today. When asked, he doubled down on his it was meant to be funny excise, said he was sorry if it offended anybody (a non apology). When pressed whether he ubdwrstood why it was problematic, he said yes, but came right back to the same non apology. Sigh.

I posted the following comment on the original Facebook post a day or two ago... So sad...how would these people feel if they moved to another state and heard similar sentiments said about them? Anyone who says this...or even thinks it...should be ashamed and needs to realign their thoughts and moral compass, beginning with kindness above all. Unfortunately, I got lambasted for my comment. It saddens me to think that some people really feel this way. I will always include all, no matter what.

Kathleen James VT State Representative

1 week ago

Kathleen James VT State Representative

COVID RELIEF AND RECOVERY BILL MOVES FORWARD

Today the House gave preliminary approval (142-4) to nearly $80 million in additional COVID-19 RELIEF & RECOVERY AID for Vermonters.

H.315 provides critical assistance to working families and businesses struggling due to the pandemic. The intent of the funding is to address health disparities, increase social equity, and stimulate economic recovery. The COVID-19 relief package includes funding for:

• $10 million in "gap grants" for small businesses that have been declared ineligible for the forgivable loans and grants offered by the federal government (PPP and EIDL) — in other words, that have suffered economic loss due to COVID-19 but have not yet received state or federal assistance.

• Housing and community supports for Vermonters struggling with mental health issues

• One-time stimulus checks for the poorest Vermonters on Reach Up

• Added investment in the VT Farmers to Families Food Box program

• Additional grants for schools to upgrade and improve their indoor air quality for student safety

• New housing programs for homeless Vermonters

• Pandemic-related services for New American and immigrant communities

• Increased data collection to track disparities and improve health equity

• Additional investment in pensions system for state employees and teachers

We're expected to give final approval to the bill tomorrow, and then it's off to the Senate. To read the full bill, click here.

https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2022/… ... See MoreSee Less

COVID RELIEF AND RECOVERY BILL MOVES FORWARD Today the House gave preliminary approval (142-4) to nearly $80 million in additional COVID-19 RELIEF & RECOVERY AID for Vermonters. H.315 provides critical assistance to working families and businesses struggling due to the pandemic. The intent of the funding is to address health disparities, increase social equity, and stimulate economic recovery. The COVID-19 relief package includes funding for: • $10 million in gap grants for small businesses that have been declared ineligible for the forgivable loans and grants offered by the federal government (PPP and EIDL) — in other words, that have suffered economic loss due to COVID-19 but have not yet received state or federal assistance. • Housing and community supports for Vermonters struggling with mental health issues • One-time stimulus checks for the poorest Vermonters on Reach Up • Added investment in the VT Farmers to Families Food Box program • Additional grants for schools to upgrade and improve their indoor air quality for student safety • New housing programs for homeless Vermonters • Pandemic-related services for New American and immigrant communities • Increased data collection to track disparities and improve health equity • Additional investment in pensions system for state employees and teachers Were expected to give final approval to the bill tomorrow, and then its off to the Senate. To read the full bill, click here. https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2022/Docs/BILLS/H-0315/H-0315%20As%20Introduced.pdf
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Kathleen James VT State Representative

2 weeks ago

Kathleen James VT State Representative

Vermont Vaccination Efforts to Expand Next Week to People Age 65 and Older

BURLINGTON, VT – Beginning on March 1, Vermonters age 65 and older will be able to make their appointment to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Health officials said this expansion – coming less than two weeks after scheduling was opened to people age 70 to 74 – reflects both the great progress of the state’s Phase 3 vaccination program and the interest of Vermonters in getting vaccinated.

Vermonters 65 years old and above will be able to make an appointment online at healthvermont.gov/MyVaccine starting at 8:15 a.m. on March 1. Anyone who has previously been eligible to receive a vaccine continues to be eligible and can make their appointments now.

Anyone who is unable to make their appointment online, needs help, or who wants to speak with someone in a language other than English can call 855-722-7878. The call center is open Monday to Friday 8:15 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. If you are in the 65-69 age group, please do not call to make an appointment until March 1.

Agency of Human Services Secretary Mike Smith announced that as of Tuesday, over 91,000 Vermonters have been vaccinated against COVID-19. 44,700 Vermonters have received their first dose and 46,400 have received their final dose. The Health Department reports that 66% of Vermonters age 75 and older, and 18% of those 70 to 74 years old, have received at least their first dose of vaccine.

New users will first be asked to create an account, then they can select a place, date and time to get vaccinated. People who already have an account because they were tested through a Health Department site, will use the same account to make their vaccination appointment.

Everyone can create their account now at healthvermont.gov/MyVaccine. In fact, this is encouraged to save time when it is their turn to make an appointment.

Vaccination sites are available around the state, and people can choose a nearby location when making their appointment. In addition to the Health Department clinics, Kinney Drugs and Walgreens have joined the effort as participating pharmacies.

People will get either the Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. Most people will be asked to wait for 15 minutes after receiving the vaccine to watch for adverse reactions. Information about side effects and how to report any adverse reactions will be provided.

Appointments to receive a second dose will be made at the time of their vaccination. Getting fully vaccinated provides the best protection against the virus.

Getting tested for COVID-19 is important, it’s easy, we offer it at numerous locations across the state, and it’s free. The Health Department will provide more information about registration for the next eligible groups when it is available.

Find answers to common questions and watch a video about how to make your appointment at healthvermont.gov/MyVaccine.
# # # ... See MoreSee Less

Vermont Vaccination Efforts to Expand Next Week to People Age 65 and Older BURLINGTON, VT – Beginning on March 1, Vermonters age 65 and older will be able to make their appointment to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Health officials said this expansion – coming less than two weeks after scheduling was opened to people age 70 to 74 – reflects both the great progress of the state’s Phase 3 vaccination program and the interest of Vermonters in getting vaccinated. Vermonters 65 years old and above will be able to make an appointment online at healthvermont.gov/MyVaccine starting at 8:15 a.m. on March 1. Anyone who has previously been eligible to receive a vaccine continues to be eligible and can make their appointments now. Anyone who is unable to make their appointment online, needs help, or who wants to speak with someone in a language other than English can call 855-722-7878. The call center is open Monday to Friday 8:15 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. If you are in the 65-69 age group, please do not call to make an appointment until March 1. Agency of Human Services Secretary Mike Smith announced that as of Tuesday, over 91,000 Vermonters have been vaccinated against COVID-19. 44,700 Vermonters have received their first dose and 46,400 have received their final dose. The Health Department reports that 66% of Vermonters age 75 and older, and 18% of those 70 to 74 years old, have received at least their first dose of vaccine. New users will first be asked to create an account, then they can select a place, date and time to get vaccinated. People who already have an account because they were tested through a Health Department site, will use the same account to make their vaccination appointment. Everyone can create their account now at healthvermont.gov/MyVaccine. In fact, this is encouraged to save time when it is their turn to make an appointment. Vaccination sites are available around the state, and people can choose a nearby location when making their appointment. In addition to the Health Department clinics, Kinney Drugs and Walgreens have joined the effort as participating pharmacies. People will get either the Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. Most people will be asked to wait for 15 minutes after receiving the vaccine to watch for adverse reactions. Information about side effects and how to report any adverse reactions will be provided. Appointments to receive a second dose will be made at the time of their vaccination. Getting fully vaccinated provides the best protection against the virus. Getting tested for COVID-19 is important, it’s easy, we offer it at numerous locations across the state, and it’s free. The Health Department will provide more information about registration for the next eligible groups when it is available. Find answers to common questions and watch a video about how to make your appointment at healthvermont.gov/MyVaccine. # # #
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Kathleen James what is the State’s vaccination plan after the 65 year old group? Will the state continue the vaccination process in 5 year groups?

Kathleen James VT State Representative

2 weeks ago

Kathleen James VT State Representative

UPDATE ON EVENT PLANNING AND GUIDANCE:

To: Vermont's Tourism, Hospitality and Events Community
From: Lindsay Kurrle, Secretary: Agency of Commerce and Community Development

Governor Phil Scott today announced a welcomed update to the state’s travel quarantine policy. Effective Tuesday, February 23rd people who are fully vaccinated and at least 14 days out from their final vaccine dose, can travel to and from Vermont without quarantine restrictions. This change represents an important turning point in the COVID-19 pandemic, is rooted in the best available science, and speaks to the positive impact mitigation measures and vaccines are having in reducing the spread of COVID-19.

As the Governor noted in his media briefing today, these changes raise many questions. Please know we are actively reviewing a range of changes, including what vaccination means for multi-household gatherings and other considerations. In the weeks ahead, further restrictions are likely to be loosened as the science, data, and advice of our experts allows.

For your planning purposes, however, at a minimum, you should expect that sometime this spring we will be back to gathering and travel guidance that is like (or better than) where we were last August.

We understand the desire for more certainty around the combination of metrics that will result in specific policy changes. If we could provide certainty, we would. The unfortunate reality is that this is a very dynamic, and often unpredictable environment, and the policy decisions are always a difficult, delicate balance.

The state’s top priority remains ensuring that those 65+, and those with certain health conditions, are vaccinated as quickly as possible. At the current rate of vaccination, the Health Department expects to be substantially complete with the high-risk population in mid-April. By then, we expect to be able to provide a more detailed assessment of the path forward. With the understanding that things could certainly change.

To reiterate, we believe that this spring both gathering and cross state travel restrictions will be loosened to the degree that would allow for many types of events and activities to take place.

ACCD guidance provided a path forward for events last summer, including capacity limits of 75 people indoors and 150 people outdoors, as well as for larger events if they were conducted using pods of participants. Event organizers and planners should use this as the baseline for this summer. Please review that guidance when planning and booking events, as it will be the starting point for future guidance updates.

The whole ACCD team and I want to thank all who have reached out to us and provided insights into the challenges you face, as well as your desire to keep public health and safety at the forefront of the conversation. We realize this has been a historic challenge. We truly believe we are headed towards more promising times for our economy, communities, families – and ultimately a recovery that is full and sustained for our state.

We hope this communication and existing guidance give you a framework to start planning summer events and reassurance that if we can stay on our current course, we can open to an even greater degree this spring.

ACCD is committed to staying in close contact as conditions on the ground allow for additional guidance to be issued. ... See MoreSee Less

UPDATE ON EVENT PLANNING AND GUIDANCE: To: Vermonts Tourism, Hospitality and Events Community From: Lindsay Kurrle, Secretary: Agency of Commerce and Community Development Governor Phil Scott today announced a welcomed update to the state’s travel quarantine policy. Effective Tuesday, February 23rd people who are fully vaccinated and at least 14 days out from their final vaccine dose, can travel to and from Vermont without quarantine restrictions. This change represents an important turning point in the COVID-19 pandemic, is rooted in the best available science, and speaks to the positive impact mitigation measures and vaccines are having in reducing the spread of COVID-19. As the Governor noted in his media briefing today, these changes raise many questions. Please know we are actively reviewing a range of changes, including what vaccination means for multi-household gatherings and other considerations. In the weeks ahead, further restrictions are likely to be loosened as the science, data, and advice of our experts allows. For your planning purposes, however, at a minimum, you should expect that sometime this spring we will be back to gathering and travel guidance that is like (or better than) where we were last August. We understand the desire for more certainty around the combination of metrics that will result in specific policy changes. If we could provide certainty, we would. The unfortunate reality is that this is a very dynamic, and often unpredictable environment, and the policy decisions are always a difficult, delicate balance. The state’s top priority remains ensuring that those 65+, and those with certain health conditions, are vaccinated as quickly as possible. At the current rate of vaccination, the Health Department expects to be substantially complete with the high-risk population in mid-April. By then, we expect to be able to provide a more detailed assessment of the path forward. With the understanding that things could certainly change. To reiterate, we believe that this spring both gathering and cross state travel restrictions will be loosened to the degree that would allow for many types of events and activities to take place. ACCD guidance provided a path forward for events last summer, including capacity limits of 75 people indoors and 150 people outdoors, as well as for larger events if they were conducted using pods of participants. Event organizers and planners should use this as the baseline for this summer. Please review that guidance when planning and booking events, as it will be the starting point for future guidance updates. The whole ACCD team and I want to thank all who have reached out to us and provided insights into the challenges you face, as well as your desire to keep public health and safety at the forefront of the conversation. We realize this has been a historic challenge. We truly believe we are headed towards more promising times for our economy, communities, families – and ultimately a recovery that is full and sustained for our state. We hope this communication and existing guidance give you a framework to start planning summer events and reassurance that if we can stay on our current course, we can open to an even greater degree this spring. ACCD is committed to staying in close contact as conditions on the ground allow for additional guidance to be issued.
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Kathleen James VT State Representative

2 weeks ago

Kathleen James VT State Representative

WEBINAR 2.25 on GRANT PROGRAM FOR SHUTTERED CULTURAL VENUES:

Shuttered Venue Operators Grant Update >>

The Small Business Administration (SBA) has released more information about the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) Program. The program includes $15 billion in grants to shuttered venues, including live venue operators or promoters, theatrical producers, live performing arts organization operators, museum operators, motion picture theater operators, and talent representatives.

Although the SVOG is not active yet, organizations can prepare in the meantime. The SBA recently released an FAQ guidance document to help answer questions, and a "Quick Start Guide for New Grantee Registration" is available for assistance with registering in the System for Award Management (SAM). The SBA's Vermont District Office is hosting an informational webinar about SAM on Thursday, February 25th at 11:00am. There is no registration for this event.

Learn more at the ACCD page (scroll down):
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WEBINAR 2.25 on GRANT PROGRAM FOR SHUTTERED CULTURAL VENUES: Shuttered Venue Operators Grant Update data-recalc-dims=> The Small Business Administration (SBA) has released more information about the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) Program. The program includes $15 billion in grants to shuttered venues, including live venue operators or promoters, theatrical producers, live performing arts organization operators, museum operators, motion picture theater operators, and talent representatives. Although the SVOG is not active yet, organizations can prepare in the meantime. The SBA recently released an FAQ guidance document to help answer questions, and a Quick Start Guide for New Grantee Registration is available for assistance with registering in the System for Award Management (SAM). The SBAs Vermont District Office is hosting an informational webinar about SAM on Thursday, February 25th at 11:00am. There is no registration for this event. Learn more at the ACCD page (scroll down): https://accd.vermont.gov/covid-19" data-querystring="_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-3&_nc_sid=8024bb&_nc_ohc=ZHjseAPqJZ0AX89Sow8&_nc_ht=scontent-sjc3-1.xx&tp=7&oh=205329dd96d2d26b098bb25099a24039&oe=606C0C16" data-ratio="1200" class="cff-multi-image" />
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