On Tuesday, citizens will gather to talk to town officials and vote on school and municipal budgets. But the Vermont Workers' Center is also hoping to talk about an issue that affects everyone in the state -- health care.

A former health insurance executive turned critic will speak at the Vermont Statehouse on what he says is the potential danger the industry's practices might have on health care reform in Vermont.

The centerpiece of Governor Peter Shumlin's health care budget proposal calls for the Catamount Health program for the underinsured to be folded into the traditional Medicaid program.

Governor Peter Shumlin says a special, independent state Health Care Board is a critical part of his overall reform plan. Some lawmakers are concerned that the five-member Board has too much power and won't be accountable to the Legislature but Shumlin says that's not the case.

After Dr. William Hsiao's recommendation for a single-payer system in Vermont, state legislators are still sizing up the merits of the plan.

VPR's Bob Kinzel has found that the overall response to Dr. William Hsiao's health care system presentation has been mixed.

According to Harvard professor of economics William Hsiao, financing, organization, delivery of care and regulations are not working together in Vermont's health care system.

The consultant in charge of designing an overhaul of Vermont's health care system says complete reform won't be quick - and it may not be cheap. Dr. William Hsiao of the Harvard School of Public Health is due to present his findings in mid-January.

Federal health care mandates become law and we look at what the changes are and how they will affect you and your dependents. Also, we hear about the concept of political patronage and how it has survived. And we visit the Puppets in the Green Mountains Festival in Brattleboro.

These were some of the voices in the news this week.

An effort in the legislature to make health care affordable for all Vermonters has taken a big step forward. The Joint Fiscal Committee has picked a consultant who will design three different approaches for health care reform.

Democratic candidate for Governor Doug Racine discusses his priorities for the state.  Plus, Valley News reporter John Gregg examines why New Hampshire Republicans believe they're in a strong position this year.  And Summer School continues with a lesson in orienteering.

A former state senator has been accused of a conflict of interest for accepting an appointment to the state Health Care Reform Commission while he represents a group of older Vermonters. But House Speaker Shap Smith defends his appointment of retired Senator Jim Leddy.

Almost 9,000 Vermont seniors will get a $250 rebate check starting this week to help close a gap in Medicare coverage for prescription drugs.

Health Care advocates are concerned that a provision of the new federal health care law could jeopardize the financial stability of Vermont's Catamount Health Care program.

These were some of the voices in the news this week:.

A veto of the health care reform bill is possible because there are a few provisions that Governor Douglas really dislikes. But he's torn, because the bill also would expand some of his signature initiatives.

We talk with two graduating medical students about their futures and the debate over health care.  Also, the role of seasonal driving problems on liveablity in Northern New England. Plus, we read from our mail.

Should pharmaceutical companies have to report the amount of free drug samples that they distribute to Vermont doctors?  

The Vermont House has approved a health care reform bill that's designed to provide greater access to health care, and to help control costs. Opponents have argued that the legislation will increase spending on health care in Vermont - something they say the state can't afford.           

Taftsville businessman Len Britton is seeking to unseat six-term Senator Patrick Leahy. He discusses the issues that are his top priority in this race with Bob Kinzel.

The Vermont Senate is getting ready to debate a bill that could provide a framework for major changes in the state's health care system.

Congressman Peter Welch says the new federal health care legislation will help 156,000 Vermont families and more than 20,000 businesses.

House Speaker Shap Smith discusses the big issues moving through the Legislature with VPR's Bob Kinzel.

Congressman Peter Welch says he'll support the health care reform bill when it comes up for a vote in the U.S. House this weekend because it will help provide coverage to millions of uninsured Americans.