The path ahead

One of the next big developments for Vermont will be the formation of a system for the self-employed to apply for unemployment benefits, and that work is underway.

The state of Vermont hopes to have that system in place this week, though Gov. Phil Scott said the federal funding for that relief had not yet been received as of noon on Tuesday.

The federal CARES Act allows freelancers and self-employed people to apply for jobless benefits for the first time, spurred by the COVID-19 crisis. The state unemployment office has added more call center workers, and some new software has been implemented to help with the upcoming self-employed filing system. And overall, the state has made great progress, totally processing almost 32,000 backlogged jobless insurance claims over the weekend.

That said, much remains to be seen amid this new reality, in which one improvement quickly leads to another hurdle. Against the backdrop of uncertainty, the state will face a new influx of claims when self-employed individuals are able to file. Given the length of time they’ve had to wait, hopefully the recent improvements will help accelerate those claims.

Still, recent quick action by the state was a hopeful sign. Gov. Scott and the state’s treasury team worked on the weekend to process $1,200 checks, for over 8,000 Vermonters whose unemployment payments had not been cleared over the weekend. Those hit the mail Monday, delivered to the post office by the governor himself.

And there are hopeful notes on the local level as well, with the Woodstock Area Relief Fund contacting applicants and confirming the basic needs to be covered. The quick action of donors, locally and out of state, who stepped in to give to the new Woodstock fund was inspiring.

When it comes to ready support and ceaseless efforts to help each other, that’s who we are, as a community, state and nation. That’s what strengthens us, and that’s what lights the path ahead as we look forward to greener pastures.

— Gareth Henderson