State-Funded BEGAP Program Announced to Aid Business Recovery

State-Funded BEGAP Program Announced to Aid Business Recovery

The Department of Economic Development has created the Business Emergency Gap Assistance Program (BEGAP) to assist impacted businesses with flood recovery. Funding for the $20 million program was formally approved by the Vermont Emergency Board, which unanimously voted for the reallocation of state funds. Applications are being approved on a rolling basis until all funds are expended.

The $20 million of funding was transferred from a $30 million total appropriation to the Public Service Department for the Vermont Community Broadband Board. The Governor is set to include a plan to replace these funds in his FY24 budget adjustment proposal.  

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Businesses Face Double-Digit Health Insurance Rate Hikes

Businesses Face Double-Digit Health Insurance Rate Hikes

Following a public comment period, the Green Mountain Care Board has approved reduced rate increases for health insurance plans. BlueCross BlueShield group rates will rise by 13% while MVP will rise by 11.5%. This cost increase will weigh heavily on the cost burden of small businesses. A review of hospital budget proposals is expected from regulators in the coming weeks.

Looking ahead, the Vermont Chamber is already anticipating 2025 when the issue of re-merging the small group and individual markets will be back on the table in the legislature. Stakeholders will have to fully understand what re-merging the market would mean financially to small businesses that represent only 6% of the health insurance landscape.

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Vermont Chamber Engaging with Stakeholders on Act 250

Vermont Chamber Engaging with Stakeholders on Act 250

The Stakeholder Steering Committee for a legislative report on “Necessary Updates to the Act 250 Program” is continuing to meet to advise the Natural Resources Board on a comprehensive and inclusive approach to the Report. The Vermont Chamber, which serves on the committee, is centering modernization in this work to ensure the program incentivizes essential housing development in smart growth areas. This is of the utmost importance for businesses that continue to face a severe workforce crisis that is exacerbated by the housing shortage, and now made worse by the recent flooding.

When the legislature examines housing and changes to Act 250 it will be paramount to reconsider what smart growth for housing in a resilient Vermont should look like. The Vermont Chamber continues to meet with defined stakeholder groups and businesses to inform our work in this area. To share your opinion on the pain points of Act 250 and opportunities for modernization, contact govaffairs@vtchamber.com.

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State Revenue Forecast Appears Strong, Economic Uncertainty Remains

State Revenue Forecast Appears Strong, Economic Uncertainty Remains

In their July revenue report, states economists presented a mixed bag. While the Transportation Fund underperformed, both the General Fund and Education Fund surpassed monthly targets. Despite this, only the General Fund exceeded its cumulative annual target as per the fiscal year 2023 consensus revenue forecast established in January. Due to the timing of the report, the forecast did not include consideration of recent flooding. However, economists stated that they anticipate that it will not impact growth expectations as corporate income and interest rates continue to keep state tax revenue afloat.

General Fund receipts are expected to increase by $78.4 million for FY24 and an additional $18.3 million for FY25. The economists project moderate growth for the Transportation and Education Funds, driven by fee increases and stabilized consumption taxes. While flood recovery is expected to stimulate economic activity, uncertainties remain, emphasizing the need for cautious fiscal planning.

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