Rob Roper and David Flemming join Bill to discuss public policies affecting our economy, environment, and community – especially policies with unintended consequences that hurt the very people the policies were designed to help. And then asking the question, is there a better way? And finding that usually there is, if we are mindful of the power of freer markets – more choice for customers, more competition among those who produce goods or services, and more humility among those in government, and among us all, when we are tempted to believe that we can make better choices for other people than they can make for themselves. What proposed legislation, in Montpelier and in Washington DC, may greatly reduce our ability to detect whether someone has voted in the name of another person, thereby, making mischief more tempting and irregularities more likely.

Rob Roper and David Flemming join Bill to discuss public policies affecting our economy, environment, and community – especially policies with unintended consequences that hurt the very people the policies were designed to help. And then asking the question, is there a better way? And finding that usually there is, if we are mindful of the power of freer markets – more choice for customers, more competition among those who produce goods or services, and more humility among those in government, and among us all, when we are tempted to believe that we can make better choices for other people than they can make for themselves..

What can we learn about the future of economic wellbeing of our nation and state from emerging evidence about employment, prices, income, money and credit? Art Woolf joins Bill to consider.

As our state and nation near the end of both an historic recession and an historic pandemic, what are the public policy choices before us, and how will the choices we make affect our people now and in the future. How do we find the right balance between, on the one hand, helping the vulnerable and those who require temporary income support, and on the other hand, slowing future economic growth and opportunity, by stifling the incentives to work, save, and invest, and to become independent and self-reliant? Rob Roper joins Bill to explore.

What should we know about Vermont’s environmental priorities, and how best to achieve them? Agency of Natural Resources Secretary Julie Moore joins Bill to examine.

As Vermont and American emerge from the global pandemic, what have we learned about the economy, and also about how which government policies best help sustain the economy recovering from a pandemic. Art Woolf joins Bill to explore.

What principles are at stake, and what questions should we ask, as we investigate the role of the National Guard in Washington DC, since the beginning of this year. Also, over the National Guard troops in Washington, DC? Also, what should we know about the legislation that would profoundly change our election law in Vermont, in ways that likely make it more difficult to detect mistakes, often unintentional, in the process of casting and recording votes. Rob Roper joins Bill to consider.

What can we learn about the history of the American Red Cross, and the important role they play sustaining the health and wellbeing of our people, especially in times of community crisis, including floods, tornados, and global pandemics. And what can each of us do to help? Red Cross’s Kevin Mazuzan and Mario Lopez join Bill to take a closer look.

What is important to know about how financial firms bill their customers, including methods that are difficult to see and understand? Dan Cunningham joins Bill to explain.

What is important to learn from the $1.9 Trillion, $5,800 per person, Budget Bill that, and how it will be adopted into law? Also, what are the unintended consequences of a proposed Vermont law that may create a hidden tax on vacation homes? Rob Roper joins ill to examine these and other current public policy issues.

Rob Roper and David Flemming join Bill to discuss public policies affecting the economy, the environment, affordability, competitiveness, tax and regulatory policy, government living within its means, and the health and wellbeing of the Vermont community.

What is the best way to reduce the multi-billion dollar unfunded pension liability for our Vermont schoolteachers and State employees? David Coates joins Bill to explore.

What is the best way to reduce the multi-billion dollar unfunded pension liability for our Vermont schoolteachers and State employees? David Coates joins Bill to explore.

Rob Roper and David Flemming join Bill to discuss public policies affecting the economy, the environment, affordability, competitiveness, tax and regulatory policy, and government living within its means, and the health and wellbeing of the Vermont community. Today, a look at the band Rush, and their role in American culture.

Does one’s interpretation of the Bill of Rights depend on who is President? Should it? What are the consequences? Also, with almost two weeks to reflect upon the legacy of Rush Limbaugh, what are the key factors in his appeal to so many millions of loyal listeners to his radio show for more than 30 years? Rob Roper joins Bill to examine.

Rob Roper and David Flemming join Bill to discuss public policies affecting the economy, the environment, affordability, competitiveness, tax and regulatory policy, government living within its means, and the health and wellbeing of the Vermont community. Today, how do opinions on the Bill of Rights change, depending on who is President of our nation? And what are the consequences?

What is important to learn from a careful study of Vermont’s Labor Market Statistics? Vermont State Labor Department Economist Matt Barewicz joins Bill to explain.

What should we know about the challenges and opportunities ahead for Vermont job creators as they strive to hire, grow, and invest? Spherion’s Ken Ballard joins Bill to examine.

Rob Roper and David Flemming join Bill to discuss public policies affecting the economy, the environment, affordability, competitiveness, tax and regulatory policy, and government living within its means, and the health and wellbeing of the Vermont community. Today we examine why our founders believed so strongly that if we are to safeguard our liberties, we must be eternally vigilant; and that if we are not, those liberties may be, and likely will be, steadily surrendered to an ever more expansive government, and almost the popular purpose of greater security or safety. Many good examples are found among the State of Emergency Executive Orders issued with increased frequency by our Presidents, and by the Governors of our several States.

Which policies help and which hinder, unintentionally, the well-being of our children? Why are good intentions so often not sufficient, for good policy? Rob Roper joins Bill to explain.

Rob Roper and David Flemming join Bill to discuss public policies affecting the economy, the environment, affordability, competitiveness, tax and regulatory policy, government living within its means, and the health and wellbeing of the Vermont community.

Why is financial literacy important for our students and their teachers to learn and exercise? Champlain College Director of Financial Literacy John Pelletier joins Bill to explain and to illustrate using Game Stock as an example of how markets work.

What can we learn from an experiment in the Winooski Schools to provide social services directly to students, with the aim of making it easier for them to learn, while improving their lives and the lives of their families? Winooski Superintendent Sean McMannon joins Bruce Lisman and Bill to explore the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Rob Roper and David Flemming join Bill to discuss public policies affecting the economy, the environment, affordability, competitiveness, tax and regulatory policy, and government living within its means. Nick Murray, of the Maine Policy Institute, joins David Flemming and Bill to discuss how we can measure limitations on a Governor’s Emergency Power, and how Vermont ranks among the 50 States.

Is it necessary to “turn the screws” and “break the will” of those who use fossil fuels, as the Massachusetts Climate Czar is reported to have said recently? Or are persuasion, incentives, and growing more trees a better way, and more compatible with the ideals and values of a free society? Rob Roper joins Bill to consider.

Rob Roper and David Flemming join Bill to discuss public policies affecting the economy, the environment, affordability, competitiveness, tax and regulatory policy, government living within its means, and the health and wellbeing of the Vermont community.

What principles should guide Vermont tax policy, and what changes, if any, should we make to align our policy more closely with those principles? Paul Ralston joins Bill to explore.

What should be the policy priorities for Vermont agriculture in the year ahead, and what are the challenges and opportunities we strive to accomplish those priorities? Vermont Secretary of Agriculture Anson Tebbetts joins Bill to examine.

Rob Roper and David Flemming join Bill to discuss public policies affecting the economy, the environment, affordability, competitiveness, tax and regulatory policy, and government living within its means. We will continue our discussion of Monday, about what policies, in the last two decades, are factors in Vermont’s slower growth, compared with the nation as a whole, in jobs, income, and population.

As the Federal Government is poised to borrow and spend an additional $1.9 Trillion dollars, about $23,000 for a family of four, is now a good time to consider whether this is the best way to foster recovery in both the nation’s health and nation’s economy? Also, what is the meaning of political unity? Rob joins Bill to consider.

Rob Roper and David Flemming join Bill to discuss public policies affecting the economy, the environment, affordability, competitiveness, tax and regulatory policy, government living within its means, and the health and wellbeing of the Vermont community. Today Rob joins Bill to discuss how best to make use of a $29 million Federal Allocation to Vermont for purposes of public transit.

What can we learn about the level and trend of median family income in Vermont? And what are the factors that affect median income, including newly released employment statistics? Art Woolf joins Bill to explain.

What are the Governor’s policy priorities for the year ahead, and what are the challenges and opportunities as his Administration strives to accomplish those priorities? The Governor’s Chief of Staff Jason Gibbs joins Bill to examine.

Rob Roper and David Flemming join Bill to discuss public policies affecting the economy, the environment, affordability, competitiveness, tax and regulatory policy, and government living within its means. We will continue our discussion of Monday, about what policies, in the last two decades, are factors in Vermont’s slower growth, compared with the nation as a whole, in jobs, income, and population. Today David joins Bill to examine the effects of the Pandemic on businesses and jobs.

Rob joins Bill to continue their review of proposed changes to Vermont’s tax structure. Particularly as it will affect the ability of the economy to grow, create jobs, and improve the well-being of our people.

Rob Roper and David Flemming join Bill to discuss public policies affecting the economy, the environment, affordability, competitiveness, tax and regulatory policy, government living within its means, and the health and wellbeing of the Vermont community. Today the proposed changes to the property tax.

As a new American President establishes his policy priorities, what should we know about China, her economy, government, and culture? Chris Barbieri joins Bill to explore.

Rob Roper and David Flemming join Bill to discuss public policies affecting the economy, the environment, affordability, competitiveness, tax and regulatory policy, and government living within its means. We will continue our discussion of Monday, about what policies, in the last two decades, are factors in Vermont’s slower growth, compared with the nation as a whole, in jobs, income, and population. Today the proposed new tax on services.

What can we learn from history about the dangers of attempting to suppress or cancel politically unpopular expression and thought? Former Governor Jim Douglas joins Bill to examine.

What might concern us about the draft recommendations of the Vermont Tax Commission Report? Rob Roper joins Bill to explain.

Due to Governor’s Press Conference on the Virus Pandemic, and on Policy Responses, starting at 11 o’c1lock, and continuing past Noon, the Radio Show will not air today.  However, at 11 o’clock you can watch Common Sense Video, the video counterpart of Common Sense Radio, via Face Book Live, as Rob Roper and David Flemming join Bill to discuss public policies affecting the economy, the environment, affordability, competitiveness, tax and regulatory policy, government living within its means, and the health and wellbeing of the Vermont community.

What should we know about the important role that working lands, and the people who work them, play in the Vermont rural economy, environment, and culture?  And what should we know about the challenges and opportunities ahead?  Farm Bureau President Joe Tisbert joins Bill to examine.  

Inauguration Day.  No Common Sense Radio show today, as WDEV will broadcast live the Inauguration of Joe Biden as President. The events of this day exemplify one of the important hallmarks of the noble experiment in self-government, known as The United States of America – namely the peaceful transition of executive power.   

Rob and Bill discuss the facts and proposals presented in the Public Assets Institute report, regarding the depressing state of Vermont's working class.

What can we learn from the last 30 years of Vermont history about whether a bigger role for government has improved the lives of our people and competitiveness of our businesses as they strive to grow, invest, hire, and pay taxes.  Rob Roper joins Bill to consider, after commenting on the historic and disheartening events in the last two weeks, in Washington, DC., as we aim to improve our understanding of what happened, why, and the implications for us as individuals and as Constitutional Republic.

Due to Governor’s Press Conference on the Virus Pandemic, and on Policy Responses, starting at 11 o’c1lock, and continuing past Noon, the Radio Show will not air today.  However, at 11 o’clock you can watch Common Sense Video, the video counterpart of Common Sense Radio, via Face Book Live, as Rob Roper and David Flemming join Bill to discuss public policies affecting the economy, the environment, affordability, competitiveness, tax and regulatory policy, government living within its means, and the health and wellbeing of the Vermont community.

What should we know about the performance of financial markets in the 2020, how that compares with past years, and what factors will determine performance the years, and the years ahead?  One Day in July’s Dan Cunningham joins Bill to explore.

What proposals under consideration by our lawmakers in Montpelier will affect our cost of living, employment opportunities, and the proper balance between individual freedom and community interest?  Guy Page and Bruce Shields examine.

Due to Governor’s Press Conference on the Virus Pandemic, and on Policy Responses, starting at 11 o’c1lock, and continuing past Noon, the Radio Show will not air today.  However, at 11 o’clock you can watch Common Sense Video, the video counterpart of Common Sense Radio, via Face Book Live, as Rob Roper and David Flemming join Bill to discuss public policies affecting the economy, the environment, affordability, competitiveness, tax and regulatory policy, and government living within its means.  Today, taking a closer look at the 5th Amendment to the Constitution, particularly the importance of due process, the rule of law, and the right to own and use private property. 

What three timely cases illustrate the importance of considering unintended consequences when evaluating choices in public policy:  (1)  Should the Congress impeach President Trump?; (2) What will be the effect on free speech and other liberties if social media is regulated like other media?;  and (3)  How does the distribution of the coronavirus vaccine show important differences in judging the proper role of government?  Rob Roper joins Bill to consider.

Due to Governor’s Press Conference on the Virus Pandemic, and on Policy Responses, starting at 11 o’c1lock, and continuing past Noon, the Radio Show will not air today.  However, at 11 o’clock you can watch Common Sense Video, the video counterpart of Common Sense Radio, via Face Book Live, as Rob Roper joins Bill to discuss public policies affecting the economy, the environment, affordability, competitiveness, tax and regulatory policy, and government living within its means.

On Vermont Gubernatorial Inauguration Day, what should we know about the history of Vermont Governors, and the role that an Inauguration Speech plays in describing the Governor’s vision of the future, and how to accomplish it?  Former Governor Jim Douglas joins Bill to examine.

How are families and individuals making use of their stimulus checks, and what can we learn this experience about fiscal policy and federal debt? Art Woolf joins Bill to consider.

Due to Governor’s Press Conference on the Virus Pandemic, and on Policy Responses, starting at 11 o’c1lock, and continuing past Noon, the Radio Show will not air today.  However, at 11 o’clock you can watch Common Sense Video, the video counterpart of Common Sense Radio, via Face Book Live, as Rob Roper joins Bill to discuss public policies affecting the economy, the environment, affordability, competitiveness, tax and regulatory policy, and government living within its means. 

With Congressional certification of the Electoral College imminent, what past Presidential elections were as close or closer than one in 2020, and what can we learn from them?  Rob Roper joins Bill to explore 

2020

Vermont Agriculture: Yearend Review and Outlook.  Agriculture Secretary Anson Tebbetts  joins Bill to consider? 

As our traditional Christmas Eve show was pre-empted by the Governor’s Press Conference, we bring it to you today: On Christmas Eve, what should we know about the connections between the Judeo-Christian values, and the ideals of a free and self-governing society?  Bruce Shields joins Bill to examine. 

No show today. Christmas. A day to be with loved ones, in person and in spirit, and to remember our many blessings -- hope, peace, joy, and love.

What can we learn from California’s about how the Global Warming Solutions Act likely will mean in Vermont for our electricity costs and reliability, for wood stoves, for farm tractors, logging skidders, construction equipment, trucks of all kinds, and now, gasoline powered automobiles? Rob Roper considers.

What should we know about the people who earn their living producing hard working Vermonters who produce maple syrup, and the challenges and opportunities before them. Vermont Sugar Makers’ Association Executive Director Hope Allison, UVM Extension’s Maple Specialist Mark Isselhardt, and USDA Farm Service Agency Executive Director Wendy Wilton all join Bill to take a closer look.

Is raising the minimum wage the best way to improve earnings for low income workers, and reduce their reliance on government assistance programs? Tom Evslin and John McClaughry join Bill to examine.

Why is financial literacy more important than ever to the people of Vermont, as we weather the economic storm caused by the coronavirus global pandemic. John Pelletier, Director of Financial Literacy at Champlain College, joins Bill to take a closer look.

Could the destructive wildfires in the western United States have been foreseen when harvesting on national forests was severely restricted starting 30 years ago?  Guy Page and Bruce Shields examine.

As the Legislative Session nears an end, in this year of global pandemic, unprecedented in the last 100 years, what should be the priorities for Vermont agriculture, and all those who benefit from our rural economy, environment, and culture.  Senator Bobby Starr joins Bill to take a closer look.

As stock market indexes near or exceed all time highs, what should we know about how these indexes are calculated, what price earnings ratios are, and the connections between market indexes and the economy?  One Day in July’s Dan Cunningham joins Bill to explore.

As we strive to foresee the future of the Vermont economy, what will happen to job creation, government budgets, family income, and our population? Art Woolf joins Bill to explore.

What lessons can we learn from the experiences and wisdom of Calvin Coolidge that will help us understand and address public policy challenges that we face today? Former Governor Jim Douglas joins Bill to take a closer look.

As more families choose home schooling, accelerating the decline in public school enrollment, are there ways we can slow the growth in public school spending, and thereby, slow the growth in property taxes? Rob Roper joins Bill to consider.

How has the pandemic affected the dairy farmers of Vermont and New England, and how have they and all the markets that depend on the milk they produce, adapted t sustain, and when possible, increase, demand for dairy products. New England Dairy’s Michael DeAngelis joins Bill to take a closer look.

What are Vermont’s environmental priorities, have they changed as a result of the global pandemic, and how do we best accomplish these priorities? Vermont Natural Resources Secretary Julie Moore joins Bruce Lisman and Bill to examine.

As we pursue the goal of making it easier for voters to cast their ballots this November, could the unintended consequence be to disqualify many of those ballots, and thereby disenfranchise voters who cast them? Rob Roper joins Bill to explain.

How has the virus pandemic affected the Chittenden County region, the part of Vermont where economic and population growth are strongest, and what can we learn from their experience that will help the rest of Vermont? Lake Champlain Chamber of Commerce’s Tom Torti joins Bill to explain.

What should be Vermont public policy priorities in the midst of the virus pandemic, as many of our businesses struggle to recover from a steep recession, and as job seekers struggle to find work, and also as massive deficits loom in both Federal and State budgets? Paul Ralston joins Bill to explore. Later, Governor Phil Scott joins the conversation to give his perspective on the same question.

As the Vermont economy recovers from the most sudden and deepest recession since the Panic of 1837, is now the time to be adding new regulatory burdens on job creators, job holders, and job seekers? Rob Roper joins Bill to examine.

What can we learn about the USDA’s Farm Service’s assistance for Vermont farmers?  Wendy Wilton, Director of USDA Farm Service in Vermont, joins Bill to describe. 

What role do corporations play in creating opportunity and prosperity in a free society, for people as investors, as employees, and as customers.  Also,  how do declines in the value of the US dollar, relative to other currencies, affect the stock market?  One Day in July’s Dan Cunningham joins Bill to explain. 

As we observe ever greater limitations on the liberty of the Hong Kong people, what can we learn about disturbing changes underway in mainland China, and about how those changes may affect us in Vermont and America.  Vermont’s China expert, Chris Barbieri, joins Bill to consider.

Is the Vermont housing market stronger than we might expect in the midst of a global pandemic?  How could that be?  Attorney Fred Peet and economist Art Woolf join Bill to explore.

What should we know about the Northwestern Vermont economy, particularly manufacturers, and the role they play in creating opportunity and prosperity for the people of Vermont?  Using the tools and ideas of financial literacy, Frank Cioffi joins Bill to explain.

What have we learned from recent experiments in universal vote by mail – in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania?  Also, how should we decide when and how schools should reopen?  Rob Roper joins Bill to evaluate.

What should we know about agritourism in Vermont, and related opportunities and challenges, particularly in a time of global pandemic?  Liberty Hill Farm’s Beth Kennett joins Bill to explore.

Are recent policies and practices of  the Securities and Exchange Commission an example of regulatory excess, that go well beyond what the Constitution allows.  George Rieger joins Bill to explain.  

As the pandemic forced millions of families to practice homeschooling, what have we learned that will make homeschooling more effective and more attractive to families in the future?  Retta Dunlap joins Rob Roper to consider.   

How has the virus pandemic affected pension reserves for Vermont school teachers and state employees?  Using tools of financial literacy, David Coates joins Bill to examine.      

How do we decide when it makes sense to get four year college degree, and when there are better options?  The Fordham Institute’s Amber Norther,  joins Bill to explore the findings of their new report,  What you Make Depends on Where You Live:  College Earnings Across States and Metropolitan Areas.

What recent Supreme Court case removed one of the chief obstacles to giving more school choice to more families in Vermont and in America?  Rob Roper joins Bill to explain.   

How has the pandemic affected Vermont’s Ski Industry, and how do we all benefit as the industry recovers?   Also, which government policies will help, and which will hurt, our economic recovery?  Sugarbush Resort’s Win Smith joins Bill to take a closer look. 

What challenges  does the Coronavirus Pandemic create for both Vermont State Revenue, and Vermont State spending?  Chief of Staff Jason Gibbs joins Bill to explain.  Later, Vermont Chamber President Betsy Bishop joins Bill to discuss the health of the economy, as her members see it, and the Chamber’s policy priorities.

How much does mass mailing of absentee ballots elevate the risk of voter fraud?  And Is there a better way?  Jason Snead, of the Honest Elections Project, joins Rob Roper to examine. 

What are the important issues facing Vermont’s farmers, the land they work, and all those who depend upon them.  Senator Bobby Starr joins Bill to explain.

What should we know about current demographic trends, and how they will affect opportunity for the Vermont people, competitiveness for Vermont business, tax base, and the demand for public services?  Art Woolf joins Bill to explore.

As we celebrate and honor our independence as a nation, and the principles on which it was founded, what can we learn from Calvin Coolidge, Frederick Douglas, and Abraham Lincoln as they did the same?  Guy Page joins Bill to take a closer look.

How will the Global Warming Solutions Act, newly passed by the Legislature, affect freedom of choice for the Vermont people, and the competitiveness of Vermont business?  John McClaughry joins Bill to explore. 

What is it about the legal structure of a corporation that makes the stock market work both as a place for growing companies to raise capital and as a place for ordinary American to invest their savings?   One Day in July’s Dan Cunningham joins Bill to explain.   

What individual liberties, enshrined the Bill of Rights, have we surrendered, at least temporarily, for the sake of community safety and security during the pandemic?  Rob Roper joins Bill to examine the tradeoffs,  and whether we are finding the right balance.  Later they are joined by John Klar to further explore the Bill of Rights, the Declaration of Independence, and an upcoming Independence Day celebration on the Statehouse lawn.

How has the pandemic affected Vermont’s Ski Industry, and how do we all benefit as the industry recovers?   Sugarbush Resort’s Win Smith joins Bill to take a closer look. 

What should we know about the popular theory that Christianity is an early form of socialism?   Lawrence Reed, renown libertarian and author of Was Jesus a Socialist?, joins Bill to explore. 

How is Vermont’s dairy industry fairing through the pandemic, and what can we do to improve the situation?   Deputy Secretary of Agriculture, Alyson Eastman, and Agency General Counsel Steven Collier join Bill to take a examine.

Freedom and Unity.  Striving to understand the pain, the frustrations, and the fears of those whose experiences are different than our own – balancing individual liberty with community interest – in a time of global pandemic, economic crisis, and racial tension?  Guy Page joins Bill to explore.

What should we know about a proposed Constitutional Amendment that would greatly endanger our traditional freedoms, and thereby, the blessings of liberty? John McClaughry and Bill explain

What should we know about John Klar, and what he believes should be the priorities for our State government? John Klar joins Bill to explore.

Did you realize that global Carbon Dioxide emissions were flat in 2019? And what is most effective and efficient way to close the gap between Carbon Dioxide emissions and absorptions? Tom Evslin and Bill examine.

Why is the right to own private property an essential liberty in a free society, and what legislative proposals in Montpelier would diminish that right? Rob Roper joins Bill to review.

How much has the standard of living improved since 1800 for the typical person living in a developed nation, and what is the single most important force propelling this improvement? Professor Deirdre McCloskey joins Bill to explore.

What does the latest jobs report tell us about Vermont’s demographic crisis, and how it will evolve into a fiscal crisis if current trends continue?  Art Woolf and Bill examine.

How should we know about how the Corona Virus may affect your personal financial investment strategy, and financial markets generally?  One Day in July’s Dan Cunningham joins Bill to take a closer look.

What proposed legislation will affect those who earn their living by harvesting, transporting, or adding value to the product of the working landscape? Ed Larson and Bill examine.

What can we learn about the China’s economy, politics, and their struggle with the corona virus? Chris Barbieri joins Bill to explain.

What should we know about the parallels between modern environmentalism and medieval religion? Bruce Shields and Bill explore.

How can we use the tools of financial literacy to understand the looming crisis in how we will pay pensions and post-retirement insurance for our teachers and state employees? David Coates joins Bill to examine.

How will advances in technology affect the way Vermonters live and work in the future? Asher Crispe joins Bill to take a closer look.

What can we learn about the challenges and opportunities before Vermont agriculture, including both our farmers and the land they own and work. USDA’s Vermont Farm Service Director Wendy Wilton joins Bill to review.

What can we learn from a Vermont small businessman who is also a Town Selectman about how Legislative proposals will affect his business and his Town Government? Chris Viens joins Rob Roper and Bill to explain.

What proposed legislation will raise the cost of doing business for our entrepreneurs, and make it more difficult for them to grow, hire, and invest? Guy Page joins Bill to explore.

Is the Legislature that wants to hold the Executive Branch accountable for reaching Carbon Emission goals, the same Legislature that is unwilling to hold themselves accountable for the disruptive ways in which those goals would be achieved? John McClaughry joins Bill to explain.

What can we learn from the Utah experience about how to reverse our demographic crisis, grow the economy, and create jobs? Todd Bingham, President of the Utah Manufacturers Association, joins Bill to take a closer look.

Could it be that Vermont as a state is already Carbon Neutral? Tom Evslin joins Bill to explain.

What should we, and our Legislators, know about a proposed law that will give the government immense new powers to change how we live, the cost of living, and our ability to earn a living. Rob Roper joins Bill and Bill to review.

What are the key challenges facing Vermont businesses as they attempt to grow, hire, and invest? The Vermont Chamber’s Betsy Bishop joins Bill to review.

What can we learn from the experiences of a former Governor, about the importance of government living within its means, even when, perhaps especially when, the economy is prosperous? Former Governor Jim Douglas joins Bill to take a closer look.

In what ways will the spread of the Corona Virus affect the stock market? One Day in July’s Dan Cunningham joins Bill to consider.

Is there a way to reverse declining school populations, and at the same time, lighten the burden on those paying school taxes? Campaign for Vermont’s Pat McDonald joins Bill to explain.

Did you know that we spend, through taxes and fees, more than $200 million a year on initiatives to reduce our carbon emissions? Are we getting our money’s worth? Rob Roper joins Bill to explore.

Why is economic growth important to improving the lives of our people, and what policies help or hinder the ability of the economy to grow? Art Woolf joins Bill to consider.

What should we know about proposed reforms in Act 250 that will affect the cost of living for our people, and the cost of doing business for our entrepreneurs. Guy Page joins Bill to review.

What innovations can reduce the cost of education, while improving student performance? Brad Ferland and Asher Crispe join Bill to evaluate.

Later, Governor Phil Scott joins Bill to consider why it is important for government to live within its means if we want to grow the economy, make the cost of living more affordable for our people, and the cost of doing business more affordable for our job creators.

What is the Global Warming Solutions Act, and what should we know about what the solutions would be, how much they would cost, and who would pay for them? John McClaughry joins Bill to examine.

How will two popular pieces of legislation – paid leave and higher minimum wage – hurt the very people who were intended to be helped? And what is a better way? Rob Roper joins Bill to take a closer look.

What should we know about the harmful effects on mental health of high potency Marijuana? MD Psychiatrist Libby Stuyt joins Bill to describe.

Broadcasting live from the Vermont Farm Show, Bill interviews leaders in Vermont agriculture. Vermont Agricultural Development Director Sarah Isham and Vermont 2 Plus 2 Student Louise Terwilliger.

 

Broadcasting live from the Vermont Farm Show, Bill interviews leaders in Vermont agriculture. Yankee Farm Credit Senior VP of lending, Chris Bessette and Breanna de Smit, representing Vermont Future Farmers of America.

Broadcasting live from the Vermont Farm Show, Bill interviews leaders in Vermont agriculture. Show Manager Jackie Folsom, Show President and Sheep Association President David Martin, Dairy Farmer Peter Briggs, and Vermont Woodlands Association Director Kathleen Wanner.

What important efforts are underway in the State Treasurer’s Office to improve the financial literacy of our young people, and people of all ages? State Treasurer Beth Pearce joins Bill to explain.

What are the chief challenges and opportunities for Vermont farmers, and the rural economy, environment, and culture from which we all benefit? Agriculture Secretary Anson Tebbetts joins Bill to examine.

What is important to understand about the complex issue of civil liberty in our justice system, including our prison system? Civil Libertarian Robert Appel joins Bill to explore.

How can we best improve financial literacy among Vermont students, and how can those students employ what they learn to understand whether there are adequate reserves to pay the pensions of retired teachers and State employees? Champlain College’s Director of Financial Literacy John Pelletier joins Bill to explain.

How does Vermont’s demographic crisis elevate the risk of a fiscal crisis for our State Government? Art Woolf joins Bill to take a closer look.

What four legislative proposals, intended to help working Vermonters, likely will have, on balance, just the opposite effect. Rob Roper joins Bill to review.

What does a new report tell us about the fiscal health of Vermont’s towns. David Flemming joins Bill to examine.

How do we decide and achieve the right balance between wellbeing of children and the rights and responsibilities of their parents? Brad Ferland and Asher Crispe join Bill to explore.

What should we know about a new proposal to reform Act 250, a proposal supported by both the Governor and a leading Environmental Group? Guy Page and Bruce Shields take a closer look.

With health care insurance costs rising rapidly, what can we learn from Singapore’s system of paying for health care? John McClaughry joins Bill to explain.

What is the Global Warming Solutions Act, and how will affect our job holders, job seekers, and job creators? Rob Roper joins Bill to review

Are there opportunities to reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere that deserve more careful investigation than they have gotten? Tom Evslin and Bill explore.

What should be the priority policy issues for the Legislature in the session upcoming? Campaign for Vermont’s and Vote for Vermont’s Pat McDonald joins Bill to take a closer look.

How will the stock market react to whether tensions between Iran and the United States escalate or deescalate? One Day in July’s Dan Cunningham joins Bill to examine.

What can we learn from careful study of history that will help us understand the longstanding tribal and religious tensions in the Middle East? Bruce Shields joins Bill to consider.

What is the Legislature proposing that will raise the cost of living for the Vermont people, and the cost of doing business for Vermont entrepreneurs and other job creators? Rob Roper joins Bill to review.

 What are the chief public policy issues facing Vermont agriculture in the year ahead? Senate Ag. Chairman Bob Starr joins Bill to take a closer look.

What should we understand when evaluating education quality in Vermont? Art Woolf and Bill consider.

No show on New Year’s Day. A day to spend family and friends, perhaps watching football, perhaps reflecting upon the year behind us, and also the year ahead of us.

2019

What is the Transportation Climate Initiative (TCI), and what can we learn about how it will affect us at home and at work? John McClaughry and Bill examine.

What is the Legislature proposing that will raise the cost of living for the Vermont people, and the cost of doing business for Vermont entrepreneurs and other job creators? Rob Roper joins Bill to review.

What are the chief factors affecting the competitiveness of Vermont businesses in national and global markets, and their ability to grow, hire, and invest? John Goodrich and Bill explain.

What public policies affect the cost of living for the Vermont people, and the cost of doing business for Vermont entrepreneurs and other job creators? Guy Page and Bill consider.

No show on Christmas Day. A day to spend with your family, and to let your heart be filled hope, joy, peace, and love.

What should we know about the history of Christmas in America, and it’s role in reconciling individual liberty with the proper role of government in society? Bruce Shields and Bill explore.

What are the major public policy issues affecting Vermont’s working forests, and the people who earn their living from the product of those forests? Ed Larson and Bill examine.

What can we learn about how the economic well being for the middle-income families has improved greatly as the economy has grown? Art Woolf and Bill review.

As Christmas shopping reaches a crescendo, what should we know about Vermont retailing. Erin Sigrist, of the the Retail and Grocers Association, joins Chris Barbieri to explore.

Should the State of Vermont force small schools to close? Or is there a better way to control costs? David Kelley and Bill take a closer look.

What should we know about the gap between the utopian ideal of socialism, and the reality? John McClaughry and Bill examine.

Should we be surprised that school consolidation, under Act 46, has made so little progress in controlling education costs, and the property taxes to pay those costs? Rob Roper and Bill explain.

What issues under consideration by the Legislature will affect the competitiveness of Vermont job creators, and thereby the well being of Vermont job holders and job seekers? Guy Page and Bill take a closer look.

What important policy issues affect our Vermont farmers, and the rural economy, environment, and culture which affect us all? Agriculture Secretary Anson Tebbetts joins Bill to examine.

How can emotion affect personal investment decision making? One Day in July’s Dan Cunningham joins Bill to consider.

What are the key environmental policy priorities for Vermont, and how can we make progress achieving them, without making it harder for people to afford to live in Vermont, and harder for our businesses to compete in national and global markets? Julie Moore, Secretary of the Natural Resources Agency, joins Bill to explain.

Should the Electoral College be abolished? Rob Roper joins Bill to explore.

With Vermont property taxes already among the highest in the nation, why are they project to rise another 6 percent, about 3 times the rate of inflation?    The Vermont Tax Department’s Craig Bolio and Jake Feldman, join Chief of Staff Jason Gibbs and Bill to take a closer look.

When government mandates that all employers must provide a particular benefit to all employees, how do we decide if that is more fair, or less fair, than allowing each employer to decide for themselves? Art Woolf and Bill explain.

With Vermont school costs and property taxes among the highest of any state in the nation, are more mergers, some by force, the answer, or is there a better way? John McClaughry joins Bill to explore.

What should be the priorities for the upcoming Legislative Session, and why so? Former Governor Jim Douglas joins Bill to examine.

What can we learn from marketing research about how to name a controversial idea for which we want to build and sustain popular support. Rob Roper joins Bill to illustrate with examples in current-day public policy.

What more can we learn about the meaning of Thanksgiving, and the important role of gratitude in sustaining the ideals of a free society. Matthew Strong and Bill explore.

Thanksgiving Day. No show today. A time to be with family and friends, and to count the many blessings which have been bestowed upon us by our Creator, by our founders, and by all their successors who ever since have strived to secure the blessings of liberty and justice for all.

What should we know about the true story of America’s first Thanksgiving, and how the Pilgrims discovered the importance of private property in creating prosperity and opportunity for their community, and for our nation? Bruce Shields joins Bill explain.

What can we learn about proposed new regulation and policy that would affect rural landowners, particularly forestland that benefits wildlife and stores carbon? Ed Larson joins Guy Page to examine.

What criteria can help us decide when government should intervene to control the choices that individuals make in their personal lives? Rob Roper joins Bill to consider.

What is financial literacy, and how can we use the tools of financial literacy to understand the state of our economy? Art Woolf joins Bill to explain.

What should we know about a Climate Change policy proposal created by retired senior officials who worked for previous Republican Presidents. Middlebury College’s Jon Isham joins Bill to take a closer look.

How does Vermont’s business tax climate rank among the 50 states, and what must we do to improve our ranking? .. David Flemming and Bill review the analysis by National Tax Foundation.

How do Vermont electricity costs compare with those in other states of the union, and what accounts for the differences? Guy Page joins Bill to examine.

The tale of two Climates, Business and Environmental, compatible or conflicting? Rob Roper joins Bill to consider.

What is Travels with Charlie and how will it help us learn to discuss controversial policy issues in a civil and respectful manner? Travels with Charlie Co-creators Bradley Ferland and Asher Crispe join Bill to explore.

As the snow falls and the temperature drops, it’s a good time to remember the important role of our ski industry in Vermont’s economy, environment, and culture? Sugarbush’s Win Smith joins Bill to take a closer look.

What should we know about how best to save and invest, so that we have the resources to pay for unexpected expenses, and to have adequate income for retirement? One Day in July’s Dan Cunningham joins Bill to review.

What do national rankings tell us about the quality and cost of Vermont education, compared with other states? Art Woolf joins Bill to examine. Later, Gov. Phil Scott joins Bill to consider his policy priorities are for State government, and how best to accomplish them.

What is the Transportation Climate Initiative, and why will it be a leading issue for both the environmental and the business climates in the upcoming Legislative Session? John McClaughry and Bill explain.

We are the land of the free because we are the home of the brave. Honoring our Veterans, Guy Page and David Flemming explore.

What is important to know about another of Vermont’s native sons who became President? John Pafford, author of Chester Arthur: The Accidental President, joins Bill to take a closer look.

How do our working forests, and the people who work them, improve wildlife and songbird habitat, improve water and air quality, and reduce our carbon footprint? Sustainable Forestry Initiative’s Ed Larson and Bruce Shields explain.

Who are the future leaders of Vermont business, government, and non-profits? John Boutin joins Bill to interview three winners of Vermont Business Magazine’s Rising Star Awards: Abbie Corse of Corse Family Farm; Rachel Allard of Union Street Media; and Evan Carlson of Do North Coworking.

What are the chief challenges and opportunities before Vermont agriculture, and the farmers who are so critical to sustaining Vermont’s working rural landscape. Harvey Smith and Bill consider.

What are some widely believed myths about the economy, and how do they differ from reality?  Art Woolf and Bill take a closer look.

How should we define energy burden, and how is it connected to more efficient use of energy at home and at work? Efficiency Vermont’s Kelly Lucci joins Tom Torti and Bill to explore.

What lessons can we in Vermont learn from the California’s experience with regulating the environment, energy, and other parts of the economy. John McClaughry joins Bill to examine.

What accounts for the natural resilience of our two major political parties, making it unlikely that either with disappear any time soon? Scholar Michael Barone, author of How America’s Political Parties Change (And How They Don’t), joins Bill to explain.

What can we learn about the importance of a friendly business climate in Vermont, as Ever Ready Battery closes its factory in Bennington? Rob Roper joins Bill to consider.

What is the Vermont Traditions Coalition, and how do they help sustain the values, the culture, the livelihoods of those who live, work, and recreate as part of Vermont’s working forests and farms. Executive Director Mike Covey joins Bill to explain.

What can we learn from the surprising and humorous stories told by our retired Vermont Fish and Game Wardens? Author Megan Price joins Bill to discuss the newly released volume of her book, Vermont Wild.

What proposed energy and environmental legislation will affect the cost of living for our people and the cost of doing business for our job creators. Journalist Guy Page and Bill examine.

What is causing health insurance costs to rise so rapidly, and which policies will help slow the rise, and which will not. Jason Gibbs, Governor Scott’s Chief of Staff, and Bill review.

What should we know about voluntary and cooperative self-regulation, which quite often is more effective and less costly than government regulation, as well as more reflective of what people value. Rob Roper joins Bill to consider.

As the trade war with China continues, and also with continuing protests in Hong Kong, what should we know about Chinese history, culture, politics, and the economy. Chris Barbieri joins Bill to examine.

What should we know about the costs and benefits of proposed universal child care? Ali Richards, of the Permanent Fund and Let’s Grow Kids, joins Lake Champlain Chamber’s Tom Torti, and Bill, to take a closer look..

Is it time to rethink Vermont health care reform? John McClaughry and Bill explain.

As Vermont’s population ceases to grow, who is leaving Vermont, where are they going, and why? And what can we do to remedy the situation?
Matthew Strong joins Bill to explore.

How will proposed Carbon Taxes affect you at home, at work, and while driving. Rob Roper joins Bill to consider.

What should we know about the history, heritage, and culture of the world famous Vermont Granite. Vermont Granite Museum Director Scott McLaughlin joins Bill to explain.

Why are manufacturers important to creating opportunity and prosperity for the people of Vermont, and what is being done to help Vermont manufacturers to become efficient and to find talent, so that they continue to be competitive in global markets. Vermont Manufacturing Extension’s Bob Zider, and Vermont Technical College’s Pat Moulton, join Bill to review.

How much of the total return in the stock market is from the best performing 4 percent of stocks, and what are the implications of this remarkable statistic? One Day in July’s Dan Cunningham and Bill take a closer look.

What can we learn from one who has earned his living in Vermont’s working forests about how best to sustain our rural economy, environment, and culture? Logger, author, and storyteller Bill Torrey joins Bill to explore.

What should we know about how stricter restrictions on mineral extraction, i.e. mining, make it more difficult and less likely that we will reduce our carbon footprint? Rob Roper joins Bill to consider.

What memories, experiences, and beliefs cause you to feel good about America, and give you hope for the future, in our nation’s continuing noble experiment in self-government? St. Michael’s Robert Letovsky and Bill explore.

What is the outlook for the economy, and how do economic trends affect financial markets? Key Bank’s National Director of Portfolio Strategy, Brett Hilliard, joins Tom Torti and Bill to take a closer look.

How is one of Vermont’s leading ski areas helping their employees with affordable housing and transportation? Sugarbush CEO Win Smith joins Bill to explain.

What underestimated factor may make it difficult for food biodigesters to succeed in their goal of producing renewable energy? Guy Page joins Bill to examine.

What should we know about the work of Department of Motor Vehicles, and how it affects our vehicles, our driving, and our safety? Motor Vehicle Commissioner Wanda Minoli joins Chris Barbieri to review.

Is the shortfall in our pensions for our State employees and local teachers greater than we think? Champlain College’s John Pelletier and Bill take a closer look.

Broadcasting live from the Manufacturing Expo, Bill interviews the Vermont Chamber’s Chris Carrigan and other exhibitors about the important role that our manufacturers play in creating opportunity and prosperity for the people of Vermont.

As the earth’s climate continues its long history of constant change, what should we know about the causes and consequences of that change? And what should we do in response? Entrepreneur and innovator Tom Evslin and Bill explore.

What can we learn from our experiences during the strong economy of 2007, that might help us find the right policies today on government spending and taxation? Then Governor Jim Douglas joins Bill to review.

What do taxpayer migration patterns tell us about the effect of high taxes on where people live? Rob Roper joins Bill to examine.

What can we learn from the history that will help us better understand how a global climate strike will affect our politics, economy, and culture? Bruce Shields joins Bill to explore.

What should we know about the important, but often unrecognized, responsibilities of our State Treasurer in protecting and promoting the financial integrity of our State Government. State Treasurer Beth Pearce joins Tom Torti and Bill to review.

What are the chief policy priorities for our Governor, and how well have we done in accomplishing those priorities? Governor Phil Scott joins Bill to examine.

As our job creators struggle to find qualified employees, what can we do to increase the size and skill of our workforce? Rene Laberge joins Bill to take a closer look

How does Medicaid health insurance impose a hidden tax on private health insurance and the people and businesses that pay for private health insurance. Rob Roper joins Bill to explain.

Who are Vermont’s fastest growing companies, and what has made them successful? Vermont Business Magazine’s John Boutin and Key Bank’s Don Baker join Bill for a conversation with three award winners.

Broadcasting live from the Tunbridge World’s Fair, Bill interviews Steve Webster and other exhibitors and attendees about the traditions and heritage of one of Vermont’s premier agricultural fairs.

What guidelines should we follow to evaluate how well our savings are preparing us for retirement and other large expenses we may we face in the future. One Day in July’s Dan Cunningham and Bill consider.

What are the chief priorities for our Agency of Natural Resource, how will they accomplish them? Agency Secretary Julie Moore joins Bruce Lisman and Bill to take a closer look.

What can we learn from the experiences of a first year lawmaker in Montpelier, about how new law, regulation, and public policy are created? Representative Chris Bates and Rob Roper join Bill to describe.

Is there a disconnect between science and science-based policy? Guy Page and Bill explore.

What should we know about the work of the Secretary of State, particularly in protecting the security and integrity of the voting process in Vermont? Secretary of State Jim Condos joins Tom Torti and Bill to take a closer look.

What factors will determine Vermont’s energy future? Avram Patt joins Chris Barbieri to consider.

With the cost of educating our Vermont children, and the property taxes to pay those costs, among the highest of any state in the nation, is there a better way, hiding in plain sight? John Goodrich and Bill explain.

No.Show today, as WDEV covers the Labor Day Parade in Northfield, which this year honors the 200th Anniversary of Norwich University.

What are some under-rated but important policy issues affecting Vermont and her people? Jason Gibbs, Chief of Staff for the Governor, joins Bill to explore.

What are the challenges and opportunities facing Vermont’s working forests, and the people who work them? Bruce Shields and Ed Larson join Bill to take a closer look.

Are we in the midst of a real life experiment demonstrating how restricting free trade among nations, diminishes the economic well being of the people, and increases the risks of conflict. Dan Feliciano and Bill explain..

What factors, some within our control, others not, are putting our rural communities in peril? Paul Ralston and Bill examine.

What role should our schools play in encouraging and facilitating political activism among their students? Rob Roper joins Bill to consider.

Why is the cost of educating our Vermont school children so much higher than that in other states with whom we compete for job creators and job seekers? And what can we do to make our costs more competitive? Art Woolf and Bill examine.

Can we use energy at home and at work in ways that both save money and are better for the environment too? Efficiency Vermont’s Rebecca Foster joins Lake Champlain Chamber’s Tom Torti and Bill to take a closer look.

Is it true that Brattleboro is facing unexpected social and economic problems — including store closings, homelessness, and abandoned, dilapidated homes, sometime inhabited by those overtaken by drug addiction? Is this evidence of why it is important to grow the economy, and to create an economic environment in which businesses want to grow, invest, and hire? Guy Page joins Bill to explore.

What is the Index of Economic Freedom, and how can it help us understand the connection between prosperity and the economic freedom. Matthew Strong joins Bill to explain.

As one prominent, young Vermonter moves to North Carolina, and another to Wisconsin, might we ask if the business climates in those two states makes them a more attractive as a place to live and and to build a career? Rob Roper and Bill consider.

What is most important to know about our forests, and the benefits they provide to our economy, our environment, and our culture? American Forests’ CEO Jad Daly joins Bruce Lisman and Bill to explain.

What are the chief challenges and opportunities facing Vermont farmers and the working landscape in which they live, and from which they earn their living? Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Alyson Audet Eastman joins Bill to take a closer look.

What is an inverted yield curve, and why do some economists think it portends a recession in the not too distant future? And, on the day of the largest stock market decline thus far this year, how can you lessen the effect of such losses by diversifying the kinds of investments you make? One Day in July’s Dan Cunningham and Bill explore.

How will we pay for maintaining Vermont’s roads and bridges when an ever great proportion of our gasoline tax funded Transportation budget is going to encourage people to use electric vehicles, who of course, don’t pay gas taxes, and when people who prefer gas fueled cars are trading their older cars for newer ones that get more miles per gallon? John McClaughry and Bill examine.

What can we learn from the ongoing work in Vermont’s rural communities about how to improve economic opportunity for people who live there, while sustaining Vermont’s environment and rural culture? Broadcasting live from the Vermont Council on Rural Development’s Annual Conference on Leadership, Bill interviews speakers and participants, including Megan Camp, Jenna Koloski, Monique Priestley, Sarah Waring, and Jay Hooper.

What does the recently released State Revenue Report tell us about the health of the economy? Art Woolf and Bill explain.

How do we help prepare our young people, and people of all ages who are seeking jobs, to be part of the workforce of the future? Frank Cioffii joins Tom Torti and Bill to take a closer look.

What does Freedom and Unity, our Vermont State Motto, mean to us today, and how can it help us better understand one other when we look across the political divide? Bill Schubart joins Bill to examine.

What should we know about Chinese economics, politics, and culture that could be helpful in understanding and resolving the trade tensions between our country and theirs? Chris Barbieri and Bill explore.

What is the better way to retain and attract young people to our state – child care subsidies and more mandated employee benefits, or lower taxes and a faster growing economy? Rob Roper joins Bill to consider.

How can improve the safety of our Vermont loggers, and in so doing, improve the sustainability of our working forests, and all the economic and environmental benefits those forests provide. Sam Lincoln and Bill explore.

What are the principal threats to election security, and how do we best address those threats? Secretary of State Jim Condos joins the Lake Champlain Chamber’s Tom Torti and Bill to take a closer look.

What new laws, under deliberation by the Legislature, will affect the cost of living for our people, and the cost of doing business for our job creators? Matthew Strong and Guy Page examine.

What changes in federal regulation over health care and health insurance will foster more and better choices for patients, more competitive pricing among providers, while sustaining quality and access for all. Dr.Josh Umbehr joins Bill to review.

What is the Tax Payer Bill of Rights, and how does it help government live within its means, and the people to prosper? Rob Roper joins Bill to explain.

Why is it important to have a thriving private sector economy, if we are to improve the lives of our job holders, job seekers, and all others in our communities who benefit when businesses hire, invest, and grow. The Vermont Chamber’s Betsy Bishop and Charles Martin join Bill to explore.