WVTK Local & State News July 30, 2014

U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders announced earlier today that Vermont will be receiving funds for health care providers. A press release says the $250,000 four year funding will help the state hire more health care professionals in underserved areas across the state. The funding will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the state and will provide loan repayment assistance to 25 health care professionals. Eligible recipients will include doctors, nurse practitioners, physicians' assistants and dentists hired at Federally Qualified Health Centers or rural health clinics.

The Vermont food fight fund is racking up the cash. So far, the fund had collected $160,000. The fund was set up to help the state defend its GMO labeling law. Trade groups led by the Grocery Manufacturer's Association filed suit against the state in federal court. The biggest donor so far is MoveOn.org, with a $53,000 donation. The second largest is $50,000 from Kent Whealy and Judy Kern from Michigan. Ben & Jerry's has not donated yet, but a spokesperson said yesterday they plan to donate $5,000 this week. The company unveiled "Food Fight Fudge" in June, promising to donate a dollar for every scoop sold. Gov. Peter Shumlin has donated $100. Vermont has until August 8th to respond to the lawsuit.

Attorney General Bill Sorrell says child abuse cases should be open to the public. Sorrell says an open family court will allow for greater scrutiny of social workers. It will also make the public aware of the problems of child abuse and neglect. That idea, and several others, were proposed Tuesday in response to the deaths of children being supervised by the Department of Children and Families this year.

The Vermont National Guard will be holding an open house for the public. The Saturday open house at the Air National Guard base at the Burlington International Airport in South Burlington will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Both Air and Army guard aircraft and equipment will be on display. The Air Guard flies F-16 jets. The Army guard flies Blackhawk helicopters. Vermont National Guard members will be on hand to answer questions and talk about the capabilities of the equipment. Adults will be required to bring identification to get into the base.