Flor Diaz Smith: You don’t balance a budget by ignoring the biggest expense

A sign marks the Brattleboro Memorial Hospital campus on Belmont Avenue. Photo by Kevin O’Connor/VTDigger. " data-medium-file="https://vtdigger.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/VTD-Bratt-hospital-8-300x225.jpg"…

People who are unhoused line up to be admitted to a temporary shelter in Burlington on Monday, March 18, 2024. Photo by Glenn Russell/VTDigger "…

Melissa Bounty. Photo courtesy of Central Vermont Economic Development Corporation " data-image-caption="Melissa Bounty. Photo courtesy of Central Vermont Economic Development Corporation "…

Photo via Adobe Stock A professional physician in a white medical uniform talks to discuss results or symptoms and gives a recommendation to a male patient and signs a medical paper at an appointment visit in the clinic. Health care,…

Legilslative pages sit in chairs in the well of the Senate chamber at the Statehouse in Montpelier on Wednesday, January 7, 2026. Photo by Glenn Russell/VTDigger "…

The immigration crackdown betrays the rule of law, and the accountability and respect that draw new citizens to the U.S. Read the story on VTDigger here: David Moats: America’s promise of freedom is being tested.

The Windham County Sheriff’s Office building on Old Ferry Road in Brattleboro. Photo by Kevin O’Connor/VTDigger. " data-medium-file="https://vtdigger.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/VTD-Bratt-Sheriff-building-1-300x225.jpg"…