We had expected to render some sort of preliminary verdict on the actions of the state legislature this week, but the lawmakers are taking a little longer than expected to reach a decision on taxing and spending plans for the coming fiscal year before they adjourn.   Full Story

Over the last decade, online enrollment in college classes has exploded. Many hope that it will ultimately help reduce the burgeoning future costs of a college education. The evidence, thus far, indicates that we have a long way to go.   Full Story

Well, we didn't quite make it to the finish line by the end of Week 17, but we got pretty close. The game-plan, as I write this on May 11, is to finish-up on Tuesday, May 14th - so when Journal readers peruse this column, the session should be wrapped-up.   Full Story

As often happens in Montpelier in the month of May, a little noticed provision in major piece of legislation, erupts in controversy, as lawmakers, with a little help from the people who would be affected by the new law, discover the unintended consequences of what the law proposes to do.   Full Story

Editor's Note: with the Legislature nearing its last week of the session and major decisions looming on taxing and spending questions, we thought it advisable to post this week's "Legislative Notebook" to the Web site earlier than usual.

Well, we didn't quite make it to the finish line by the end of Week 17, but we got pretty close. The game-plan, as I write this on May 11th, is to finish-up on Tuesday, May 14th -- so when Journal readers peruse this column, the session should be wrapped-up.   Full Story

This column is about S. 77 "An Act Relating to Patient Control and Choice at the End of Life," which is also known as Physician Assisted Suicide or Death with Dignity. By the time this is in the paper the fate of this legislation may have been determined. But I have heard from so many constituents on this issue that I will provide my perspective on this matter.   Full Story

In the wake of across the board government spending cuts, this month President Obama proposed a new R&D initiative aimed at mapping the brain. Critics immediately balked over the $100 million price tag, but those protests may be penny-wise but pound foolish given some of the breakthroughs government has achieved in the past.   Full Story