Long-term care communities support our most vulnerable. For far too long, direct care staff have been underpaid and underappreciated. During the pandemic, they were our heroes – caring for people 24/7. During COVID outbreaks, they went to work in gowns and shields, continuing to offer compassionate care, often risking their own lives. Yet the Governor’s budget doesn’t seem to care for them. While we are grateful that the budget does include necessary funding for our SASH® (Support and Services at Home) model, the SFY26 budget does not include an increase in funding for long-term care providers and communities that accept Medicaid.

The Vermont Housing & Conservation Coalition (VHCC) is hosting its annual Legislative Day at the State House in Montpelier on Friday, February 14 and we hope you will join us! VHCC advocates for the State to allocate funds to the Vermont Housing & Conservation Board, allowing for more affordable housing to be built and more open space and farms to be conserved. This is an opportunity for you to speak directly with your elected officials about why affordable housing is important to you. Several of our staff will be there throughout the day to help you connect with your legislators and share your story.

Cathedral Square, a leading nonprofit committed to addressing the critical need for affordable housing for older adults and people with diverse needs in Vermont, proudly announces the appointment of Dr. Stephen Leffler, Lacey Smith, and Susan Stock to its esteemed Board of Directors. “We are thrilled to welcome these three highly accomplished individuals to our board this year,” says Cathedral Square CEO Kim Fitzgerald. “We look forward to the innovative ideas and fresh perspectives they will bring to our organization.”