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Vermont: The Green Mountain State
A natural wonderland nestled in the northeast corner of New England, Vermont is a place where rural traditions thrive alongside progressive thinking and civic involvement. Famed for its lush scenery, rolling mountains, dairy farms and maple sugar houses, Vermont is also home to some of the best-educated and most independent-minded citizens in the country. From their continued commitment to environmental preservation to the successful campaign against urbanization, Vermonters have long supported local causes. With an abundance of open space, a tradition of independence and a strong sense of community, Vermont remains a wonderful place to live and work.
Originally inhabited by Abenaki, Algonqian and Iriqouis tribes, the land that now comprises Vermont was claimed by France and fortified on Lake Champlain in 1666. The late 17th century saw renewed exploration by Dutch and British settlers, though the establishment of Fort St. Frederic in 1734 gave France control of the Lake Champlain Valley. British forces attempted to take the fort four times between 1755 and 1758, finally defeating the French with 12,000 troops under Sir Jeffrey Amherst in 1759. Britain’s claim to the area was secured by the Treaty of Paris in 1763, though ownership remained a source of dispute between the colonies of Massachusetts, New York, and New Hampshire.
In 1741, King George II ruled that Massachusetts’s claim in Vermont was invalid, though the land dispute between New York and New Hampshire continued to escalate. In 1770, Ethan Allen recruited a local militia, the Green Mountain Boys, to protect the interests of the New Hampshire settlers against migrants from New York. When a New York judge arrived in Westminster with New York settlers in March 1775, violence broke out as angry citizens took over the courthouse and called a sheriff's posse. This resulted in the deaths of Daniel Houghton and William French in the "Westminster Massacre."
On January 18, 1777, representatives of the New Hampshire land grants convened in Westminster and declared the independence of the Vermont Republic. A constitution was drafted at Windsor Tavern on July 4th, notable as the first written constitution in North America to abolish slavery. Windsor Tavern has since been preserved as the Old Constitution House and is maintained as a state historical site.
Vermont forces under General John Stark defended their territory’s independence in the Battle of Bennington on August 16, 1777, forcing a British surrender with the aid of militiamen from New Hampshire and Massachusetts. The battle would prove a turning point in the American Revolutionary War, with the American victory galvanizing the rebels and, together with the Battle of Saratoga, convincing the French that the Americans were worthy of military aid. The Vermont Republic remained a sovereign, self-governing entity over the next fourteen years, finally joining the Union as the Fourteenth State in 1791.
During the 19th century, Vermont emerged as one of the leading voices in the movement to abolish slavery. Vermont native and U.S. Representative Thaddeus Stevens was actively involved in the Underground Railroad and became the first Congressional leader to push for the slaves’ emancipation in 1861.
After the end Civil War, Vermont experienced significant economic and population growth, with the expansion of railroads drawing both residents and vacationers to the area. Over the course of the 20th century, Vermont emerged as one of the most popular tourist destinations in the northeast, with a number of internationally known ski resorts opening across the state alongside restaurants, shops, historical sites, museums, golf courses and boutique hotels. Despite the significant expansion of Vermont’s tourist economy, residents and state government have made a concerted effort to preserve its rural communities and way of life. A tradition of local pride and independent thinking perseveres to this day, and the beautiful state of Vermont remains a world unto itself.
Why move to Vermont?
because…
- It combines the atmosphere and traditions of rural New England with a progressive social outlook and a continued commitment to civic participation
- It offers bountiful natural and historic scenery, with rolling mountains, shimmering lakes and lush forests, dusty country roads, antique church steeples, rustic farms and classic New England town commons
- It is prepared to meet the challenges of the 21st century, with a strong commitment to education, the environment and the preservation of a rural way of life
- It offers an exceptional quality of life in an accessible location, with close-knit villages, a multitude of historical sites and museums, theaters, galleries and shops, several major ski resorts, lakes, mountains and miles of untamed wilderness all within easy reach of New England’s major cities
Vermont Weather
New England is famous for its four distinct seasons, with brisk, snowy winters giving way to colorful springs and hot, humid summers. Seasonal temperatures vary somewhat throughout the state, with the coldest winters occurring near the Canadian border in the north.
Winter in VT
Winters in Vermont are generally cold, with a January daily mean of 16.3°F in Burlington and temperatures ranging from an average high of 32°F in Brattleboro to an average low of 3°F in Derby. Residents and visitors alike should prepare for temperatures below freezing throughout the season. Skiing is a popular activity in Vermont, with a number of resorts scattered throughout the famed Green Mountains.
Spring in VT
Spring temperatures in Vermont are variable, with frequent precipitation throughout the season. Temperatures begin to warm significantly in late March, although snowfall can occur well into April. By May, daily highs average between 65°F and 70°F across the state. Biking, hiking in the Green Mountains, and day trips to some of Vermont’s historic villages are among the many recreational opportunities available to residents in the spring and fall. Light jackets, sweaters and long pants are generally sufficient after the snow subsides, although on warmer days shorts and T-Shirts may also be appropriate.
Summer in VT
Vermont summers are hot and humid, though temperatures in the mountains, the north and along the shores of Lake Champlain are somewhat cooler. Daily averages exceed 70°F in July, though temperatures often reach into the lower 80s and 90-degree weather is not unheard of. The sixth largest freshwater lake in the U.S., Lake Champlain offers bountiful opportunities for boating, fishing, swimming, sailing, scuba diving and other water sports, while nearby Burlington boasts a thriving waterfront and plenty of options for dining and live entertainment. Shorts, T-Shirts, and swimwear are appropriate throughout the summer months.
Fall in VT
Temperatures in Vermont begin to cool in September, with an average of 59°F for the month in Burlington. By October, the trees alight in brilliant colors, from bright red to yellow and orange. This eruption of color is the region’s world famous fall foliage, the extraordinary last gasp before the leaves fall from the trees and the cycle begins over again. As the trees turn color and shed their leaves, temperatures begin to drop significantly, with the first frosts occurring in late October or early November. Residents can enjoy cycling and hiking in Vermont’s many State Parks and recreational areas along with tours of historical sites. Long sleeves and jackets are recommended, though you may want to bring layers for day trips in late October and November.
http://www.vermontvacation.com/weather/index.asp
http://weather.msn.com/region.aspx?wealocations=Vermont
http://www.weatherunderground.com/cgi-bin/findweather/getForecast?query=Vermont
Vermont Facts
Originally inhabited by Iroquois, Abenaki and Algonquian peoples, Vermont was settled by the French and British in the 17th century before declaring itself an independent republic in 1777. Vermont joined the Union as the 14th state on March 4, 1791.
- 9,620 square miles
- 246 cities and towns
- Population: 623,908 (2006)
- Largest cities (2005): Burlington, 38,531; Essex, 19,146; Colchester, 17,165; Rutland, 17,046; South Burlington, 16,993
- Nickname: The Green Mountain State
- Per Capita Income (2006): $34,264
- 7,000 miles of streams
- 808 significant lakes & ponds
- 51 State Parks
- Highest point: Mount Mansfield (4,395 ft)
Vermont Government
THE STATE OF VERMONT
The government of Vermont is comprised of three branches: Executive, Legislative and Judicial. The state capital is Montpelier, located on the Winooski River in the north-central region of the state. With just over 8,000 residents, Montpelier is the smallest capital city in America.
Vermont’s three branches of government are organized as follows:
Executive
- The Vermont Executive branch is headed by the governor who, like all members of the executive and legislative branches, is elected to a two-year term.
- The lieutenant governor is elected on a separate ticket and is the second most senior official.
- Vermonters elect the following four officials on a statewide ballot:
- Secretary of State
- State Treasurer
- Vermont Auditor of Accounts
- Attorney General
- The following Agencies are contained within the Executive branch:
- Administration
- Agriculture, Food & Markets
- Commerce & Community Development
- Human Services
- Natural Resources
- Transportation
- The following Departments are also contained within the Executive branch:
- Banking, Securities & Health Care Administration
- Buildings and General Services
- Chief Information Officer
- Chief Marketing Officer
- Department of Children and Families
- Department of Corrections
- Defender General
- Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living
- Department of Economic Development
- Emergency Management
- Department of Education
- Department of Environmental Conservation
- Finance & Management
- Department of Fish & Wildlife
- Forests, Parks & Recreation
- Department of Health
- Homeland Security
- Human Resources
- Department of Motor Vehicles
- Department of Public Safety
- Department of Public Service
- Department of Taxes
- Veterans’ Affairs
For a more detailed list of Executive branch officers and agencies along with attendant links, visit
this link.
Legislative Branch
- Vermont’s state legislature is the Vermont General Assembly, a bicameral body composed of the following two houses, both of which hold session at the Vermont State House:
- The Vermont House of Representatives (lower house), with 150 members
- The Vermont Senate (upper house), with 30 state senators
For more information, visit the
State of Vermont Legislature website.
Judicial Branch
- The Vermont Judicial Branch is responsible for interpreting the laws and is headed by the Supreme Court. Appointments to the Supreme Court, Superior Court and District Courts are made by the governor and confirmed by the Senate.
- The Vermont Supreme Court is the final court of appeal and consists of five justices appointed to six-year terms. The Supreme Court also has overall administrative control of the court system and makes administrative and procedural rules for all courts.
- Each of Vermont’s 14 counties has a Superior Court. The Superior Courts are made up of eight judges serving terms of six years. These courts have exclusive jurisdiction over most civil cases, which involve the private rights of individuals or organizations.
- Each of Vermont’s counties also has a District Court. The District Courts hear nearly all criminal cases as well as some civil cases.
- The following lower courts are also contained within the Judicial branch:
- Family Court
- Probate Court
- Environmental Court
- Vermont Judicial Bureau
For more information, visit the
Vermont Judiciary website.
Vermont Taxes
VT Individual Income Tax
- The Individual Income Tax is based on Vermont taxable income, which starts with Federal taxable income.
- To calculate your income tax, visit
this link.
VT C Corporation Income Tax
- The corporate income tax is a net income tax based on income allocable or apportioned to Vermont. A $250 minimum tax applies to all C corporations except Small Farm Corporations which pay a minimum tax of $75. Holding Company tax liability is always the minimum tax.
- To calculate a C Corporation Income Tax, follow
this link.
VT Business Entity Income Tax
- This tax applies to S Corporations, Partnerships, and Limited Liability Companies. The business entity income attributable to Vermont passes through to the shareholder, partner or member.
- The Business Entity Income Tax is usually $250. Additional Vermont tax may be required at the corporate tax rates on certain income that is taxes at the entity level under the Internal Revenue Code, such as “built-in gains”.
VT Estate Tax
- Decedent’s date of death prior to January 1, 2002: The Vermont estate tax is equal to the maximum Federal credit for state death taxes paid.
- Decedent’s date of death on or after January 1, 2002: The Vermont estate tax is equal to the amount of state death tax credit allowed by federal estate tax law in effect on January 1, 2001.
VT Sales and Use Tax
- The general sales tax rate is imposed on the buyer on the purchase price of tangible personal property, amusement charges, fabrication charges, and some public utility charges. There are 46 exemptions from the tax which include medical items, food, manufacturing machinery, equipment and fuel, residential fuel and electricity, clothing and shoes with a purchase price of $110 or less.
- The current Sales Tax rate is 6%.
- The Use Tax is imposed on the buyer at the same rate (6%) as the sales tax. The buyer pays the Use Tax when the sellers fail to collect the sales tax or the item is purchased from a source where no tax is collected. The Use Tax applies to items taxable under the Sales Tax.
- Certain municipalities may also impose a local option tax on sales. The towns of Manchester, Stratton and Williston, Vermont have a local option tax administered by the Vermont Department of Taxes.
VT Motor Vehicle Taxes
- The Purchase Tax for a motor vehicle is set at a rate of 6% (of net purchase price).
- The Use Tax for short-term rental of a motor vehicle is 7% of the rental charge.
- Vermont imposes a Diesel Fuel Tax at a rate of 25 cents per gallon plus 1 cent per gallon fee dedicated to the petroleum clean up fund.
- Vermont imposes a Gasoline Tax at a rate of 19 cents per gallon plus 1 cent per gallon fee dedicated to the petroleum clean up fund.
VT Meals and Rooms Tax
- This tax is imposed on the purchaser of taxable meals and rental of accommodations in hotels. The rates are as follows:
- 9% on sales of prepared and restaurant meals
- 9% on sales of lodging and meeting rooms in hotels
- 10% on sales of alcoholic beverages served in restaurants
- Certain municipalities may also impose a local option tax on meals and rooms. The towns of Stratton and Williston, Vermont have a local option tax administered by the Vermont Department of Taxes.
VT Property Tax
- Property is assessed at the municipal local level in Vermont. Local assessing officials, called listers in Vermont, are charged with determining the appraisal value of property.
- For more VT Property Tax info, visit
this link.
VT Cigarette and Tobacco Taxes
- The Cigarette Tax is imposed on all cigarettes held in or to be sold in Vermont by any person. A license to sell in Vermont is required. Cigarettes sold in Vermont must have a Vermont stamp affixed to the package.
- The current Cigarette Tax rates are:
- $1.79 per 20 pack
- $2.24 per 25 pack
- The Snuff Tax is imposed on tobacco products intended to be placed between the cheek and gum and not chewed and also on inhalable snuff. The current Snuff Tax rate is $1.49 per ounce.
- The Tobacco Tax is imposed on all tobacco products at the wholesale level. A license to sell in Vermont is required. The current Tobacco tax rate is:
- 41% of the wholesale price
- 2% discount if tax paid within 10 days
For additional taxes and information, visit the
Vermont Department of Taxes website.
VT Licensing
VT Driver’s License
- To obtain a license, Vermont law requires that out of state applicants must pass a vision test. The road test and written test may be waived by the examiner if the applicant holds a valid out-of-state license. However, the exam fee is still collected. Vermont Driver's manuals and license applications are available at all Department of Motor Vehicle offices.
- Bring your valid license from your home state, proof of Vermont residency and two other forms of identification with you to show to the examiner. If your home state license is not valid, have someone who has a valid license drive you to the Department of Motor Vehicles office.
- If you are taking the road test, the car you are using must be clean and in good mechanical condition with a valid inspection sticker. Be sure the emergency brake is working properly.
- An automobile insurance identification card is required by Vermont law. The card must state the name of the insurance carrier, effective and expiration dates of coverage, name of insured, description of the vehicle including the vehicle identification number. It also must include limits of liability or a statement that the policy provides the minimum insurance required by Vermont law.
- A valid registration certificate for the vehicle is required.
- When your Vermont license is issued, the examiner will keep the license you hold from another state.
- You are required to provide two (2) forms of identification when applying for a Vermont license/permit (See "Proof of ID Required" in menu at left).
- There is a $15.00 exam fee charged for converting an out-of-state license to a Vermont license. Portions of the exam may be waived, however, the exam fee is still collected.
- An individual 15 years of age or older may operate a motor vehicle if they hold a valid Learner's Permit and are accompanied by one of the following people (riding in the vehicle beside the driver):
- A licensed and unimpaired parent or guardian.
- A licensed or certified and unimpaired driver education instructor.
- A licensed and unimpaired individual who is at least 25 years of age.
- To apply for a Learner’s Permit, an individual must have maintained a “clean” driving record in the previous 2 years.
- An individual must possess a Learner's Permit for at least 1 year prior to obtaining a Junior Operator License.
- Prior to obtaining a Junior Operator License, an individual must complete an additional forty hours of practice behind the wheel, with at least ten hours being nighttime driving, while accompanied by one of the individuals indicated above who is riding beside the driver. Proof of this additional practice must be submitted to DMV at the time of application for a Junior Operator License, on a form provided by DMV and certified by one of the individuals indicated above.
- The fee for a 4-year license is $40.00
- The fee for a 2-year license is $25.00
VT Vehicle Registration
- Residents must annually register motor vehicles owned or leased for a period of more than thirty days and operated by them, unless currently registered in Vermont. A Resident who has moved to Vermont from another jurisdiction must register their motor vehicles within 60 days of moving into Vermont. It is illegal for a person to operate a motor vehicle or draw a trailer or semi-trailer on any highway unless such vehicle is registered.
- Vehicles may be registered at the Vermont DMV main office (in Montpelier) and certain registration transactions may be performed at our satellite offices.
- Vehicles not displaying a valid Vermont inspection sticker must be inspected within 15 days of registration. If the vehicle is operated on a public highway within this 15-day period (without a valid inspection sticker affixed) the vehicle must still be in good mechanical condition and meet the Vermont Safety Inspection Standards. Remember, you must present an insurance identification card to the inspection station to show proof of insurance or the vehicle cannot be inspected.
VT Hunting & Fishing Licenses
- No fishing license is needed for individuals under age 15.
- An applicant for a hunting or combination license must present either:
- A previous or current hunting or combination license from any state or Canadian province, or
- A certificate or a letter of proof showing satisfactory completion of an approved hunter or firearms safety course from Vermont or any other state or province, or
- Other satisfactory proof of prior license or hunter/ firearms safety certification. A person may be able to obtain a copy of the license from the clerk or agent where the last license was purchased, or a notarized statement signed by the clerk or agent is sufficient proof.
- A person under age 16 must have written permission given by his or her parent or guardian and signed in the presence of the issuing agent in order to obtain a hunting license.
- Current fees for Resident Hunting & Fishing Licenses are as follows:
- Fishing - $20.00
- Youth Fishing (ages 15-17) - $8.00
- 3-Day Fishing - $10.00
- Hunting $16.00
- Youth Hunting (under age 18) - $8.00
- Combination Hunting/Fishing - $29.00
- Youth Combination Hunting/Fishing (under age 18) - $12.00
For additional information, licenses and fees, see the
Vermont Fish & Wildlife website.
VT Marriage
- The fee for a Vermont marriage license is roughly $20.00, although fees vary from county to county.
- If both partners are residents, you may obtain a marriage license from your local town clerk. If only one partner is a resident, go to the Town Clerk of that resident. If neither partner is a resident you must apply for your license in the county where the marriage will take place.
- You must be 18 years of age or older to marry without parental consent in Vermont. A birth certificate may be necessary to show proof of age.
- If you are at least 16 but under 18, you will need a parent or guardian’s consent to marry in Vermont. Your parent or guardian should accompany you to the Town Clerk’s office to sign an affidavit giving you permission to marry.
- Applicants under the age of 16 must obtain a certificate from a Probate or a District Court Judge in their county of residence giving permission to marry. No one under the age of 14 may marry in Vermont.
- In order to purchase a marriage license in Vermont, you must know your legal town of residence and your place and date of birth. You will also need to know your parents’ names, including your mother’s maiden name, and the states where your parents were born.
- Vermont law requires that at least one of you must sign in the presence of the Town Clerk, certifying that all facts are correct. However, most Town Clerks prefer to see both of you in person before issuing you license to marry, as the law requires that they satisfy themselves that you are both free to marry under Vermont laws. They may legally ask to see documented proof of your statements, for example birth certificates, divorce decrees, etc. A Vermont marriage license cannot be issued through the mail.
- You will need to provide information about your race, the highest grade you completed in school, the number of times you have been married and how your previous marriage(s), if any, ended. This information is used by Vital Records for statistical information and does not become part of the marriage certificate.
- If you are a widow/widower, you will be asked the date your spouse died. If you are divorced, the Town Clerk can, by law, ask to see your divorce decree before issuing your marriage license.
- Marriages may be performed by a Judge, Justice of the Peace, or a member of the clergy recognized by the State of Vermont. By obtaining a temporary certificate of authorization from the Probate Court in the district where the ceremony will be performed, a Priest, Minister, or Rabbi from another state can marry you in Vermont.
VT Gun License
- Vermont does not currently require or issue gun permits. Some Vermont towns and cities do have local ordinances, so you may want to contact the local police chief for town-specific information.
- For detailed information about Vermont’s gun laws, visit
this link.
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