VLA in the Media
Some recent press mentions for Vermont Legal Aid
2/25/2025 Support S.27 for medical debt relief
Waterbury Roundabout:
https://www.waterburyroundabout.org/opinion-archive/commentary-support-s27-for-medical-debt-reliefnbspnbsp
and
Addison Independent:
https://www.addisonindependent.com/2025/02/27/letter-to-the-editor-support-s-27-medical-debt-relief-act/
Commentary by Mike Fisher. "At the Office of the Health Care Advocate, we often hear from Vermonters who are forced to make impossible choices between getting medical treatment and paying for basic needs like food, housing and heat."
2/17/2025 Vt. Lawmakers unveil proposal to erase medical debt
MSN.com:
https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/other/vt-lawmakers-unveil-proposal-to-erase-medical-debt/ar-AA1xBPpi?apiversion=v2&noservercache=1&domshim=1&renderwebcomponents=1&wcseo=1&batchservertelemetry=1&noservertelemetry=1
“We hear from Vermonters when they get advice that they need more care or they have a condition they’re worried about, they are afraid to go get care because they are afraid to incur more debt,” said Vermont Health Care Advocate Mike Fisher.
2/2/2025 King: The Growing Justice Gap in Vermont
VermontBiz:
https://vermontbiz.com/news/2025/march/02/king-growing-justice-gap-vermont
Commentary by by Hannah King, Executive Director of the Vermont Bar Foundation. The 2024 Vermont Statewide Legal Needs Assessment (VLA and Legal Services Vermont) paints a stark picture. Thousands of Vermonters face legal challenges without representation, often navigating complex legal systems alone.
1/31/2025 Trump order curbing access to gender-affirming care for youth creates ‘a lot of anxiety and a lot of fear’ in Vermont
VT Digger:
https://vtdigger.org/2025/01/30/trump-order-curbing-access-to-gender-affirming-care-for-youth-creates-a-lot-of-anxiety-and-a-lot-of-fear-in-vermont/
and
Valley News:
https://www.vnews.com/Trump-order-curbing-access-to-gender-affirming-care-for-youth-creates-a-lot-of-anxiety-and-a-lot-of-fear-in-Vermont-59211807
Mike Fisher, Vermont’s chief health care advocate, acknowledged there was “a great deal of fear and uncertainty” provoked by the order but emphasized that such health care services remain protected in Vermont.
1/30/2025 Pieciak Announces Plan To Eliminate $100m In Medical Debt
Mountain Times:
https://mountaintimes.info/2025/01/29/pieciak-announces-plan-to-eliminate-100m-in-medical-debt/
“Relieving the burden of medical debt will help people focus on their health, not their bank accounts,” said Chief Health Care Advocate Mike Fisher. “This means more people getting care at the right time, leading to better health outcomes for individuals.”
1/27/2025 Is Vermont facing an eviction crisis?
WCAX-TV3:
https://www.wcax.com/video/2025/01/28/is-vermont-facing-an-eviction-crisis/
The Green Mountain State has an eviction crisis. That’s according to a new report from Legal Services Vermont and Vermont Legal Aid. Reporter: "Their latest and most staggering finding is that evictions have increased 45% in the last five years."
1/23/2025 UVM Health Network executives made $3 million in bonuses in 2025
VT Digger:
https://vtdigger.org/2025/01/23/uvm-health-network-executives-made-3-million-in-bonuses-in-2024/
and
The Montpelier Bridge:
https://montpelierbridge.org/2025/01/uvm-health-network-executives-made-3-million-in-bonuses-in-2024/
Mike Fisher, Vermont’s chief health care advocate, said in an interview that hospital leaders should “understand what a horrible message something like this sends” in a state struggling to pay for health care.
1/22/2025 Lawmakers contemplate the end of expanded federal health insurance subsidies
VT Digger:
https://vtdigger.org/2025/01/22/final-reading-lawmakers-contemplate-the-end-of-expanded-federal-health-insurance-subsidies/
“My opinion, given who Congress is and the presidency, is that we plan for the reality that we won’t have enhanced tax credits next year,” Chief Health Care advocate Mike Fisher told lawmakers in the House Committee on Health Care Wednesday afternoon.
1/21/2025 Pieciak and lawmakers announce plan to eliminate $100 million in medical debt
Vermont Public:
https://www.vermontpublic.org/local-news/2025-01-21/elected-officials-want-to-wipe-out-vermonters-medical-debt-using-state-funds
While uninsured Vermonters tend to face higher out-of-pocket costs for health care services, Mike Fisher, Vermont’s chief health care advocate, said high copays and deductibles have made medical debt a serious financial issue even for Vermonters who are insured.
WCAX-TV3:
https://www.wcax.com/2025/01/21/vt-lawmakers-unveil-proposal-erase-medical-debt/
“We hear from Vermonters when they get advice that they need more care or they have a condition they’re worried about, they are afraid to go get care because they are afraid to incur more debt,” said Vermont Health Care Advocate Mike Fisher.
Valley News:
https://www.vnews.com/health-care-debt-in-vermont-58991296
“Medical debt is a structural outcome,” said Mike Fisher, chief health care advocate at Vermont Legal Aid.
VermontBiz:
https://vermontbiz.com/news/2025/january/21/pieciak-and-lawmakers-announce-plan-eliminate-100-million-medical-debt
“Relieving the burden of medical debt will help people focus on their health, not their bank accounts,” said Chief Health Care Advocate Mike Fisher. “This means more people getting care at the right time, leading to better health outcomes for individuals.”
Seven Days:
https://www.sevendaysvt.com/news/state-treasurer-pieciak-proposes-medical-debt-relief-program-42712709
Mike Fisher, Vermont's health care advocate, said he routinely hears from people who are anxious and even ashamed because of bills they can't pay… "Medical debt is a structural outcome," Fisher said. "It's something we know will happen based on the way our health care system is structured."
1/16/2025 The head of Vermont’s largest insurance company says health care spending is out of control
Vermont Public:
https://www.vermontpublic.org/local-news/2025-01-16/vermonts-largest-insurance-company-bluecross-blueshield-says-health-care-spending-out-of-control
and
NHPR:
https://www.nhpr.org/2025-01-16/vermonts-largest-insurance-company-bluecross-blueshield-says-health-care-spending-out-of-control
"We have a healthcare financing system that is not functioning,” said Mike Fisher, the state’s chief health care advocate. “So the BlueCross letter becomes sort of a blinking red light.”
1/10/2025 Judge suggests dismissal of 73 counts against mentally ill man
Brattleboro Reformer:
https://www.reformer.com/local-news/judge-suggests-dismissal-of-73-counts-against-mentally-ill-man/article_ba239bbe-cdfe-11ef-8d64-d3a7ea2ddf46.html
Treadwell told the lawyers, which included Windham County Deputy State's Attorney Johns Congdon, Jack McCullough of Vermont Legal Aid's Mental Health Project, Rick Ammons of the Windham County Public Defender's office and Zachary Taylor of the Vermont Department of Mental Health, that "in the interests of justice" he would be interested in seeing a motion to dismiss the dozens of charges… McCullough said he agreed with the judge's assessment, and he noted that in the past year, there had been "no new charges" against Abdul-Kareem.
1/3/2025 Report shows low-income Vermonters’ challenges in accessing legal help
WCAX-TV3:
https://www.wcax.com/2025/01/03/report-shows-low-income-vermonters-challenges-accessing-legal-help/
and
MSN.com:
https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/personalfinance/report-shows-low-income-vermonters-challenges-in-accessing-legal-help/ar-AA1wVLN
Legal Services Vermont and Vermont Legal Aid Publish recently produced the Vermont Legal Needs Assessment Report. It found vulnerable Vermonters continue to face broad and unmet civil legal needs, particularly when it comes to evictions and other housing issues.
1/3/2025 Capitol Beat: Legislative session to open next week
Times Argus:
https://www.timesargus.com/news/local/capitol-beat-legislative-session-to-open-next-week/article_32ff7fd2-c9e8-11ef-81ed-1b5f85cec1b2.html
Legal Services Vermont and Vermont Legal Aid reviewed a range of objective and subjective data, including requests for help to their systems, web analytics, court data and input through public meetings and surveys, to determine the most persistent areas of unmet civil legal need. “Our report makes it clear that the ‘justice gap’ is widening and we need to bridge that gap in Vermont,” said Sam Abel-Palmer, executive director of Legal Services Vermont.
1/2/2025 Hospital pricing reform could save Vermonters millions, study suggests
Addison Independent:
https://www.addisonindependent.com/2025/01/02/uvmhn-expands-in-ny-while-making-cuts-in-vt/
In comments submitted to the Green Mountain Care Board in August, Vermont’s chief health care advocate Mike Fisher and his staff members charged that the network “has consistently weakened its financial position by choosing to transfer monies to the New York hospitals.”
12/26/2024 Backstory: A News Reporter Finds the Best Excuse for a Blown Deadline
Seven Days:
https://www.sevendaysvt.com/news/a-news-reporter-finds-the-best-excuse-for-a-blown-deadline-42483267
Voss couldn't afford to hire a tax specialist to fight back, but the AARP fraud hotline pointed her to the sole tax attorney at Vermont Legal Aid, Zachary Lees. "It is so friggin' onerous for them to have to fill out these forms, to go to the bank and pull bank account statements," he said.
12/31/2025 Increasing pharmacy closures mean long drives for Vermont residents, mirroring a national trend
VT Digger:
https://vtdigger.org/2024/12/31/increasing-pharmacy-closures-mean-long-drives-for-vermont-residents-mirroring-a-national-trend/
and
Valley News:
https://www.vnews.com/Increasing-pharmacy-closures-mean-long-drives-for-Vermont-residents-mirroring-a-national-trend-58704770
“You lose something really important when you lose your community pharmacist,” said Mike Fisher, Vermont’s chief health care advocate.
12/23/2024 Legal Services Vermont and Vt. Legal Aid publish a Vermont Legal Needs Assessment Report
VermontBiz:
https://vermontbiz.com/news/2024/december/23/legal-services-vermont-and-legal-aid-publish-vermont-legal-needs-assessment
Legal Services Vermont and Vermont Legal Aid reviewed a broad range of objective and subjective data, including requests for help to their systems, web analytics, court data, and input through public meetings and surveys, to determine the most persistent areas of unmet civil legal need. “Our report makes it clear that the ‘justice gap’ is widening and we need to bridge that gap in Vermont,” said Sam Abel-Palmer, Executive Director of Legal Services Vermont.
12/16/2024 UVM Health Network hospitals will exceed budget caps again
VT Digger:
https://vtdigger.org/2024/12/16/uvm-health-network-hospitals-will-exceed-budget-caps-again/
and
Valley News:
https://www.vnews.com/UVM-Health-Network-hospitals-will-exceed-budget-caps-again-58507531
and
Montpelier Bridge:
Mike Fisher, Vermont’s chief health care advocate, expressed concern about the 2024 variances in an interview. Patient revenue to hospitals, Fisher said, ultimately comes from premiums and out-of-pocket expenses paid by Vermonters and employers…“I am very concerned about health care providers across the state of Vermont that are at serious risk of insolvency, and continue to have real concerns about how stable our insurance companies are,” Fisher said. “And to hear that UVM Health Network is $100 million over is very upsetting.”
12/12/2024 Recent homicides renew debate over how to tackle the intersection of crime and mental health
Vermont Public:
https://www.vermontpublic.org/local-news/2024-12-12/recent-homicides-renew-debate-over-approach-intersection-crime-criminal-activity-mental-health
“The level of risk to the public is very much a part of the proceeding, and is definitely one of the questions that the court takes into account,” said Jack McCullough, the director of the Mental Health Law Project at Vermont Legal Aid.
12/11/2024 Donald Trump's Return to the Presidency Could Disrupt the Way Many Vermonters Live
Seven Days:
https://www.sevendaysvt.com/news/donald-trumps-return-could-change-life-for-vermonters-42445440
There are steps people can take to protect themselves. Outright, Vermont Legal Aid and the ACLU are also hosting a "Know Your Rights" virtual information session on Thursday, December 12, for parents and caregivers of trans and nonbinary youths.
12/11/2024 White River Junction couple fights eviction from apartment of 17 years
VT Digger:
https://vtdigger.org/2024/12/11/white-river-junction-couple-fights-eviction-from-apartment-of-17-years/
and
Concord Monitor:
https://www.concordmonitor.com/white-river-junction-couple-fights-no-cause-eviction-58430814
and
U.S. Sun:
https://www.the-sun.com/news/13080557/elderly-couple-eviction-apartment-vermont-court/
“In this market, it’s very hard to get in the door when you have ongoing litigation,” said attorney Rachel Batterson of Vermont Legal Aid who’s representing the couple pro bono. “It’s not unusual for landlords to refuse to rent to a tenant even if there’s an eviction and they won.”
12/10/2024 The Vermont Human Rights Commission is turning away cases due to a lack of capacity
Vermont Public:
https://www.vermontpublic.org/local-news/2024-12-10/the-vermont-human-rights-commission-is-turning-away-cases-due-to-a-lack-of-capacity
Matthew Shagam, a staff attorney at Vermont Legal Aid, said the Human Rights Commission is often the only avenue for legal recourse for people who experience workplace or housing discrimination.
12/9/2024 Commentary by Maryellen Griffin: Follow the veterans to end homelessness in Vermont
VT Digger:
https://vtdigger.org/2024/12/09/maryellen-griffin-follow-the-veterans-to-end-homelessness-in-vermont/
"I regularly hear people say with exasperation that homelessness in Vermont is a terrible problem, but there is nothing we can do. That is just not true. Vermont can and should cut homelessness by following the policies the VA has used. Those strategies have worked for veterans, and they will work in Vermont."
12/6/2024 Staff at Vermont Legal Aid and Legal Services Vermont join AFT
Times Argus:
https://www.timesargus.com/news/community/times-argus-community-news-for-dec-11-2024/article_cf57cd72-b646-11ef-8362-e7a41d058b1f.html
Staff at Vermont Legal Aid and Legal Services Vermont are celebrating management’s recognition of their union, United Justice Workers-VT, AFT-Vermont. AFT Vermont, an affiliate of the American Federation of Teachers, represents over 10,000 health care and higher education workers in Vermont.
and
Vermont Business Magazine:
https://vermontbiz.com/news/2024/december/06/staff-vermont-legal-aid-and-legal-services-vermont-join-aft
and
Rutland Herald:
https://www.rutlandherald.com/news/community/rutland-herald-community-news-for-dec-13-2024/article_cd037c88-b7ea-11ef-a525-9b9dad75ed60.html
10/24/2024 How can Vermont's next legislature, governor mend a broken health care system?
Vermont Public:
https://www.vermontpublic.org/local-news/2024-10-24/can-next-legislature-governor-mend-broken-health-care-system
Mike Fisher, Vermont’s chief health care advocate, says Vermont can’t spend its way out of this problem. He says a health care system that has 14 hospitals for a population of 660,000 people creates inefficiencies and redundancies that can drive up the cost of care.
10/20/2024 Another Medicare Advantage plan pulls out of Vt.
WCAX-TV:
https://www.wcax.com/2024/10/18/another-medicare-advantage-plan-pulls-out-vt/
Vermont Health Care Advocate Mike Fisher says about 1,500 seniors will need to find new plans. “Due to the significant changes that are happening for Medicare Advantage plans here in Vermont, it really makes sense for Vermonters to be extra careful if they’re contemplating buying a Medicare Advantage plan,” he said.
10/11/2024 Vermont Supreme Court rules man with disabilities has right to services
VT Digger:
https://vtdigger.org/2024/10/11/vermont-supreme-court-rules-man-with-disabilities-has-right-to-services/
Barbara Prine, a Vermont Legal Aid attorney who represented the plaintiff, said she appreciates the court understanding how difficult it is for Vermonters who can’t get the medical care they need. She said her client’s health has deteriorated due to his isolation in recent years.
9/26/2024 UVM Medical Center postpones surgical center construction, citing regulatory decisions
VT Digger:
https://vtdigger.org/2024/10/04/uvm-medical-center-postpones-surgical-center-construction-citing-regulatory-decisions/
Mike Fisher, Vermont’s chief health care advocate, said in an interview that the postponement will delay the arrival of needed surgical capacity in Vermont. Fisher’s office had largely supported the project, with some reservations.
9/26/2024 At least 3 Vermont school districts warn parents that lack of staff will prevent adequate special education services
VT Digger:
https://vtdigger.org/2024/09/26/at-least-3-vermont-school-districts-warn-parents-that-lack-of-staff-will-prevent-adequate-special-education-services/
Cammie Naylor, a staff attorney at Vermont Legal Aid who helps families navigate special education law, told VTDigger she had also seen a similar letter shared by the Lamoille North Supervisory Union regarding staffing at the Eden Central School.
9/19/2024 Vermont hospitals are heading for bankruptcy. A plan to keep them afloat calls for dramatic changes.
Vermont Public:
https://www.vermontpublic.org/local-news/2024-09-19/vermont-hospitals-are-heading-for-bankruptcy-a-plan-to-keep-them-afloat-calls-for-dramatic-changes
“This is scary,” Mike Fisher, the state’s health care advocate, acknowledged at the meeting Wednesday. “In the world of policy, it is easier to kill an idea than it is to pass a good idea,” he said. “I’m sure that is playing out today in messages to legislators and others.”
9/18/2024 Adapting to life after a spinal cord injury
Vermont Public's "Vermont Edition":
https://www.vermontpublic.org/show/vermont-edition/2024-09-18/adapting-to-life-after-a-spinal-cord-injury
Rachel Batterson, director of Vermont Legal Aid’s Housing Discrimination Law Project, outlines the housing rights of people with disabilities.
9/18/2024 Surging cyber scams leave older Vermonters destitute, frustrated and saddled with tax debt
Seven Days:
https://www.sevendaysvt.com/news/cyber-scams-are-leaving-older-vermonters-broke-and-bereft-41866534
“Voss couldn't afford to hire a tax specialist to fight back, but the AARP fraud hotline pointed her to the sole tax attorney at Vermont Legal Aid, Zachary Lees.”
9/17/2024 Health care workers are unionizing across Vermont. They say better work conditions mean better care.
Vermont Public:
https://www.vermontpublic.org/local-news/2024-09-17/health-care-workers-unionizing-say-better-work-conditions-means-better-care
“But Vermont’s health care advocate, Mike Fisher, pushes back on directly correlating health care worker labor organizing and overall health care costs.”
8/27/2024 Vermont health insurance costs are among the highest in the nation — and rising quickly
VTDigger:
https://vtdigger.org/2024/08/27/vermont-health-insurance-costs-are-among-the-highest-in-the-nation-and-rising-quickly/
“There's no dispute. Vermont's expensive,” said Mike Fisher, Vermont’s chief health care advocate. “We see it in our premium rates. We see it in our hospital commercial rates.”
and
Valley News:
https://www.vnews.com/Vermont-health-insurance-costs-are-among-the-highest-in-the-nation-and-rising-quickly-56734300
8/21/2024 UVM Medical Center employees say they can’t afford health insurance, and some are in debt to their employer
Seven Days:
https://sevendaysvt.com/news/uvm-medical-center-employees-say-they-cant-afford-health-insurance-and-some-are-in-debt-to-their-employer-41657250
"If this isn't an indicator that our system is broken, I don't know what is," said Mike Fisher, Vermont's health care advocate.
8/20/2024 Hefty health insurance increases hit Vermonters for third year in a row
Vermont Public:
https://www.vermontpublic.org/show/vermont-edition/2024-08-19/large-health-insurance-increases-hit-vermonters-for-third-year-in-a-row
“People are going to have to pay less premiums, and in many cases, people are going to be able to get into a richer plan, with lower out-of-pocket costs,” said Mike Fisher, the state’s healthcare advocate, speaking on Vermont Edition.
8/16/2024 Medicare prescription drug price negotiation closely watched in Vermont
Vermont Public:
https://www.vermontpublic.org/local-news/2024-08-15/medicare-prescription-drug-price-negotiation-closely-watched-in-vermont
Michael Fisher, who is Vermont's health care advocate, says the program could have a major impact in Vermont because lawmakers this year asked the Green Mountain Care Board to study a plan to use these negotiated prices for all consumers in the state.
8/14/2024 Flood insurance gaps and rising risks challenge Vermont homeowners
Seven Days:
https://www.sevendaysvt.com/news/flood-insurance-gaps-and-rising-risks-challenge-vermont-homeowners-41602920
Julie Marshall, a paralegal with Legal Services Vermont, said dozens of Vermonters have been seeking legal counsel since their properties were swamped. ... "If something is covered or not can hinge on what may seem like, frankly, ridiculous details, like whether water entered the house because it was wind-driven or through the ground," Daniel Schmidt, an attorney with Vermont Legal Aid, said.
8/9/2024 Amid a tumultuous period in health care, Vermont hospitals request annual revenue and rate increases
VTDigger:
https://vtdigger.org/2024/08/09/amid-a-tumultuous-period-in-health-care-vermont-hospitals-request-annual-revenue-and-rate-increases/
Mike Fisher, Vermont’s chief health care advocate, told board members Wednesday that Vermont is facing “a perfect storm” in the realm of health care. “We think it’s important to remain focused on what you can do to really address, as I said, the storm in front of us,” he said. “And that is hospital prices and hospital costs.”
and
Valley News:
https://www.vnews.com/Amid-a-tumultuous-period-in-health-care-Vermont-hospitals-request-annual-revenue-and-rate-increases-56498125
and
Mountain Times:
https://mountaintimes.info/2024/08/14/amid-a-tumultuous-period-in-health-carevermont-hospitals-request-annual-revenue-and-rate-increases/
8/9/2024 Flood-relief clinics planned in Lyndon, St. Johnsbury
Calendonian Record:
https://www.caledonianrecord.com/news/local/flood-relief-clinics-planned-in-lyndon-st-johnsbury/article_b5714c80-dce9-58cb-876e-66bea96c0e29.html
Flood assistance information will be available at two local clinics scheduled for August 15-16. Volunteers from Vermont Law & Graduate School, Vermont Legal Aid, and Legal Services Vermont will be available…
8/6/2024 Consultants say Vermont’s health care system needs to change, but exactly how is not yet clear
VTDigger:
https://vtdigger.org/2024/08/06/consultants-say-vermonts-health-care-system-needs-to-change-but-exactly-how-is-not-yet-clear/
...Mike Fisher, Vermont’s chief health care advocate, said in an interview that he hoped the final recommendations would be far-reaching enough to shore up the state’s struggling system.
8/2/2024 Franklin Grand Isle Bar Association donates $2,250 to Voices Against Violence
Saint Albans Messenger:
https://www.samessenger.com/news/franklin-grand-isle-bar-association-donates-2-250-to-voices-against-violence/article_3eb4a952-50e8-11ef-95c1-ff89eb75ada0.html
Laura Bierley, an attorney with Vermont Legal Aid’s Victims’ Rights Project, provides Voices with a small amount of legal services, but the funding only supports advice, not representation. Since the Franklin Grand Isle Bar Association does not have any members specializing in this area of law, it decided to step up and raise funds to help Bierley expand her offerings to survivors.
7/31/2024 A divided Green Mountain Care Board approves new UVM Medical Center surgical center – with restrictions
VTDigger:
https://vtdigger.org/2024/07/30/a-divided-green-mountain-care-board-approves-new-uvm-medical-center-surgical-center-with-restrictions/
The Office of the Health Care Advocate — while offering a measured endorsement of the project — also raised concerns about the possibility that procedures at the surgical center could be overly expensive for Vermonters.
7/25/2024 Displaced by another round of flooding, Vermont renters have few options
Vermont Public:
https://www.vermontpublic.org/local-news/2024-07-25/displaced-by-another-round-of-flooding-vermont-renters-have-few-options
Renters dealing with flood damage should tell their landlords, in writing, the extent of the damage and what types of repairs are needed, said Daniel Schmidt, a staff attorney at Vermont Legal Aid. It’s a landlord’s responsibility to bring a rental into compliance with health and safety standards, like having an adequate water supply and access to heat. If a landlord doesn’t make repairs to meet habitability standards in a timely manner, Schmidt said, a tenant can withhold part of the rent — but they should let the landlord know, in writing, before they do so.
and Valley News:
https://www.vnews.com/Displaced-by-another-round-of-flooding-Vermont-renters-have-few-options-56192603
and VTDigger:
https://vtdigger.org/2024/07/25/displaced-by-another-round-of-flooding-vermont-renters-have-few-options/
7/22/2024 Seeking an appropriate education, Vermont families battle lawyers, the Legislature and a lack of staff
VTDigger:
https://vtdigger.org/2024/07/22/seeking-an-appropriate-education-vermont-families-battle-lawyers-the-legislature-and-a-lack-of-staff
Cammie Naylor, a staff attorney at Vermont Legal Aid who has helped families navigate special education law for about seven years, said she works regularly with parents of kids left without an education while waiting for an outplacement.
and Valley News:
https://www.vnews.com/Seeking-an-appropriate-education-Vermont-families-battle-lawyers-the-Legislature-and-a-lack-of-staff-56122022
7/17/2024 Barton woman regains home in tax sale settlement, sparking legal reform
Vermont Public:
https://www.vermontpublic.org/local-news/2024-07-17/tax-sale-cases-settled-advocates-hope-new-law-improve-controversial-process
Eventually, the parties agreed to settle rather than continue litigation over a small amount of money, said Greg Fox, an attorney at Vermont Legal Aid who represented the Shatney family.
Vermont Legal Aid sued the town of Barton and village of Orleans in late January, alleging that municipal officials failed to give Flynn the required 10-day notice prior to the tax sale and took her property without just compensation or due process.
and Newport Dispatch:
https://www.newportdispatch.com/2024/07/06/barton-woman-regains-home-in-tax-sale-settlement-sparking-legal-reform/
Greg Fox, Flynn’s attorney, expressed satisfaction with the outcome. “We are thrilled that Ms. Flynn will be getting her property back and the financial security that it represents,” Fox said. Grace Pazdan, Director of VLA’s Homeowner Legal Assistance Project, added that the case “should put cities and towns on notice that taking taxpayer’s equity via tax sale comes with significant legal risk.”
7/11/2024 Mike Fisher: Weigh in on proposed health care premium increases
VTDigger:
https://vtdigger.org/2024/07/11/mike-fisher-weigh-in-on-proposed-health-care-premium-increases
This commentary is by Mike Fisher, Vermont’s health care advocate.
and Addison County Independent:
https://www.addisonindependent.com/category/op-eds/
and Rutland Herald:
https://www.rutlandherald.com/opinion/commentary/fisher-advocate-for-health-insurance-affordability/article_6dbf3fe9-350d-5a64-a730-c1881427b2e3.html
If you need assistance submitting a public comment, or you want individual advice related to health insurance or access to care issues, contact the Office at the Health Care Advocate’s HelpLine at 800-917-7787 or visit www.vtlawhelp.org/health to submit an online help request. Mike Fisher is chief health care advocate at the Office of the Health Care Advocate.
7/7/2024 Vermont hospitals implement new rules for accessing free medical care
VTDigger:
https://vtdigger.org/2024/07/02/vermont-hospitals-implement-new-rules-for-accessing-free-medical-care/
The ultimate goal is to help more Vermonters access free medical care, Mike Fisher, Vermont’s chief health care advocate, said in an interview.
and Valley News:
https://www.vnews.com/Vermont-hospitals-implement-new-rules-for-accessing-free-medical-care-55871499
“It creates a statewide minimum standard,” Fisher, who worked with Vermont hospitals to draft the bill, said in an interview."
and Mountain Times:
https://mountaintimes.info/2024/07/10/vermont-hospitals-implement-new-rules-for-accessing-free-medical-care/
The ultimate goal is to help more Vermonters access free medical care, Mike Fisher, Vermont’s chief health care advocate, said in an interview.
6/21/2024 Lawsuit settled as Town agrees to return Plantiff’s home
Caledonian Record:
https://www.caledonianrecord.com/news/local/lawsuit-settled-as-town-agrees-to-return-plaintiff-s-home/article_12f73d3b-e448-50a9-a6ab-ebac7a728cda.html
Represented by Vermont Legal Aid, Penny Flynn sued the town of Barton and the village of Orleans in U.S. District Court.
6/18/2024 Village of Orleans settles lawsuit over property seizure
WCAX3:
https://www.wcax.com/2024/06/18/village-orleans-settles-lawsuit-over-property-seizure/
Vermont Legal Aid represented Penny Flynn, a local retired resident who fell $6,500 behind on her taxes. The town ended up seizing the $80,000 house as part of a property tax sale.
5/31/2024 Expungement clinic at Springfield Library
Vermont Journal:
https://vermontjournal.com/news/expungement-clinic-at-springfield-library/
Join Vermont Legal Aid for an expungement clinic.
5/31/2024 Senior Solutions and BRGNS Age Successfully Fair
Vermont Journal:
https://vermontjournal.com/health/senior-solutions-and-brgns-age-successfully-fair/
The fair is an opportunity for older Vermonters to learn about and sign up for wellness-based goods and services, with over 30 exhibitors scheduled to appear… Exhibitors this year include…Vermont Legal Aid.
5/30/2024 Mike Fisher: Thank you, legislators, for listening to Vermonters’ voices and improving Medicare affordability
VTDigger:
https://vtdigger.org/2024/05/30/mike-fisher-thank-you-legislators-for-listening-to-vermonters-voices-and-improving-medicare-affordability/
Commentary by Mike Fisher, Vermont’s health care advocate.
and Vermont Community News Group:
https://www.vtcng.com/news_and_citizen/opinion/letters_to_the_editor/thanks-to-legislators-medicare-more-affordable/article_a6c1b894-1ec7-11ef-9267-83666a08066e.html
and Rutland Herald:
https://www.rutlandherald.com/opinion/commentary/fisher-medicare-affordability/article_0c99c9d7-0063-5445-aea7-8161157508f7.html
and Williston Observer:
https://www.willistonobserver.com/forum/guest_columns/guest-column-notes-from-the-legislature-part-2/article_d97a3962-1e01-11ef-a1bf-53c7dbc485f1.html
5/20/2024 Tenant protections failed to gain traction in the Statehouse
Vermont Public:
https://www.vermontpublic.org/local-news/2024-05-20/tenant-protections-failed-to-gain-traction-in-the-statehouse
Jean Murray, an attorney at Vermont Legal Aid, advocated for the programs’ creation last year and lauded lawmakers for putting money behind them now. But she sees a need to take a closer look at the power imbalance in landlord-tenant law.
5/14/2024 Vt. insurance companies seek double-digit rate increases
WCAX3:
https://www.wcax.com/2024/05/14/vt-insurance-companies-seek-double-digit-rate-increases/
Some worry about what yet another double-digit rate increase would mean for Vermonters’ bottom line. “It’s scary. I think the average Vermonter or the business looks at this and says, ‘I can’t pay it,’” said Mike Fisher, the state’s health care advocate.
5/14/2024 Health insurers seek large premium increases
VTDigger:
https://vtdigger.org/2024/05/14/health-insurers-seek-large-premium-increases/
and Vermont Public:
https://www.vermontpublic.org/local-news/2024-05-17/proposed-health-insurance-rate-hikes-vermont-businesses-health-costs-slowing-growth
and Vermont Public – The Frequency:
https://www.vermontpublic.org/podcast/the-frequency-daily-vermont-news/2024-05-20/one-in-five
5/10/2024 Two Major health care access bills meet different fates in Vermont Statehouse
VTDigger:
https://vtdigger.org/2024/05/10/two-major-health-care-access-bills-meet-different-fates-in-vermont-statehouse/
That language will make a material difference in the cost of health care for thousands of Vermonters, according to Mike Fisher, the state’s health care advocate. “The step that the Legislature took this year is a significant improvement for close to 12,000 Vermonters,” Fisher said, “who are going to gain access to real improvements to their ability to afford premiums in Medicare and out of pocket costs.”
5/6/2024 Bill on tax sales and abatement nears governor's desk, research continues
Times Argus:
https://www.timesargus.com/news/local/bill-on-tax-sales-and-abatement-nears-governors-desk-research-continues/article_6a63add8-920c-5a2e-8964-e48c7c721f88.html
A bill aimed at putting guardrails on when towns can sell off people’s property to recoup back taxes is nearing the governor’s desk; meanwhile, Vermont Legal Aid has requested tax sale documents from every town in the state.
April 15, 2024 — ‘Provider burden’ bill pits health care providers against insurance companies
VTDigger:
https://vtdigger.org/2024/04/15/provider-burden-bill-pits-health-care-providers-against-insurance-companies/
Mike Fisher, Vermont’s chief health care advocate, hedged on whether the bill would do more to harm or help. “I and my office often sit between payers and providers as they point fingers at each other for being the reason why our health care system is so expensive. And I often end up thinking, well, both sides have a point here,” Fisher said.
April 10, 2024 — Property tax suit settlement talks
The Chronicle:
https://bartonchronicle.com/property-tax-suit-settlement-talks/
A federal lawsuit ... was filed in U.S. District Court in Burlington, by Vermont Legal Aid, acting on behalf of Penny Flynn in January. It argues that when a town sells a piece of property to recover taxes, it must pay its former owner the difference between the taxes owed and the fair market value of the property... Town and village lawyers have asked to be excused from answering the complaint until the end of April. They said they are discussing a possible settlement with Ms. Flynn and her lawyers.
March 18, 2024 — Vermont towns use tax sales to collect late payments. But critics say the process lacks guardrails.
Vermont Public:
https://www.vermontpublic.org/local-news/2024-03-18/vermont-towns-use-tax-sales-to-collect-late-payments-but-critics-say-the-process-lacks-guardrails
"We thought it was pretty shocking that the towns were really using this very draconian process that has these devastating impacts on families over really small amounts of debt," said Grace Pazdan, Vermont Legal Aid attorney.
March 15, 2024 — Vermont Legal Aid asks court to delay DCF rules ending hotel vouchers for hundreds Friday
Rutland Herald:
https://www.rutlandherald.com/news/local/vermont-legal-aid-sues-to-stop-state-from-ending-cold-weather-vouchers/article_f27833d6-8249-5993-bf61-3577e3aa2a95.html
Vermont Legal Aid filed a lawsuit Friday asking a court to stop the state from taking away homeless people’s cold weather shelter vouchers before their continued eligibility can be figured out… Rebecca Plummer, an attorney for Vermont Legal Aid and director of its Medical-Legal Partnership Project, said Friday that the hope is Vermont Superior Court Chittenden Civil Division, where the case was filed, will take it up and make a decision immediately.
WCAX-TV3:
https://www.wcax.com/video/2024/03/15/vt-legal-aid-asks-court-delay-dcf-rules-ending-hotel-vouchers-hundreds-friday/
Vermont Legal Aid is asking a judge to delay state regulations that would kick hundreds of homeless Vermonters out of the state’s hotel motel program on Friday.
https://www.wcax.com/2024/03/15/vt-legal-aid-asks-court-delay-dcf-rules-ending-hotel-vouchers-hundreds-friday/
Vermont Legal Aid Friday filed a lawsuit Friday and asked a judge to delay the action. “We are not asking for some massive change. We are asking for a delay in this lifting of the adverse weather conditions -- period -- while the state does its job to figure out who is eligible,” said VLA's Rebecca Plummer.
Vermont Public:
https://www.vermontpublic.org/local-news/2024-03-15/while-state-stands-up-shelters-some-vermonters-exit-motels-without-a-plan
Vermont Legal Aid filed a complaint in state court Friday morning alleging that state officials failed to assess motel program participants to determine whether they could remain sheltered, and failed to adequately notify them that they might need extra documentation ahead of Friday’s deadline.
WPTZ-TV5:
https://www.mynbc5.com/article/hundreds-of-vermonters-forced-to-vacate-state-hotel-voucher-program/60209330
All of this led to Vermont Legal Aid filing a lawsuit on behalf of homelessness service providers Friday morning, because they feel the state hasn’t properly screened everyone that’s eligible and going against recently passed legislation…“The state did not provide notice, did not provide an opportunity for people to show that they meet and above all did not follow the legislature’s protections,” said Rebecca Plummer, a lawyer at Vermont Legal Aid.
February 22, 2024 — Montpelier considers 'just cause' eviction standard, despite hesitance at the Statehouse
Vermont Public:
https://www.vermontpublic.org/local-news/2024-02-22/montpelier-considers-just-cause-eviction-standard-despite-hesitance-at-the-statehouse
Jean Murray, an attorney at Vermont Legal Aid who tracks eviction data, pointed to an uptick in evictions statewide compared to pre-pandemic levels — and noted a greater share now appear to be for “no cause.”
February 15, 2024 — Vt. bill aims to ease tax abatement and sale policies for delinquent property owners
WCAX-TV3:
https://www.wcax.com/2024/02/15/vt-bill-aims-ease-tax-abatement-sale-policies-delinquent-property-owners/
The case has turned into a legal battle over past-due tax notifications. “Our client spends time in Florida during the colder months and so that’s when these notices were being sent. They were bouncing back to the town. She didn’t get them until after the deed transferred in the 2022 tax sale,” said Greg Fox with Vermont Legal Aid. He filed a federal lawsuit on behalf of Flynn against the town of Barton and the village of Orleans to reclaim the property.
February 8, 2024 — Vermont Legal Aid sues Barton and Orleans over alleged unconstitutional home seizure
Newport Dispatch:
https://www.newportdispatch.com/2024/02/08/vermont-legal-aid-sues-barton-and-orleans-over-alleged-unconstitutional-home-seizure/
Vermont Legal Aid has filed a lawsuit against the Town of Barton and the Village of Orleans, alleging unconstitutional practices in property tax sales. Attorneys Grace Pazdan and Greg Fox, leading the case, emphasize the impact of tax sales on Vermont’s vulnerable populations. They point out the disproportionate use of tax sales in certain towns like Barton, exacerbating the state’s housing crisis.
January 30, 2024 — Lawmakers consider bill that would weaken Green Mountain Care Board
VTDigger:
https://vtdigger.org/2024/01/30/lawmakers-consider-bill-that-would-weaken-green-mountain-care-board/
“On the whole, I think the words on the page of this bill do more harm than good,” Mike Fisher, the chief health care advocate at Vermont Legal Aid, told lawmakers last week.
WPTZ-TV5:
VT health care key players at odds over legislation (mynbc5.com)
"It would weigh down some of the regulatory power the Green Mountain Care Board has, and we think that would be bad for consumers, we think that would lead to more out-of-control spending," said Mike Fisher, the chief healthcare advocate at Vermont Legal Aid.