March 19, 2025
Agenda:
• Welcome
• Discussion of education proposal through a rural lens
Administration
• Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC)
Andy Barter - CEO of Little Rivers Health Care, Chris Towne - CEO of Northern Counties Health Care, and Kayla Davis - CEO of Battenkill Valley Health Center
Minutes
Welcome
Discussion of education proposal through a rural lens
Zoie Saunders, Secretary of Agency of Education
The Secretary emphasized that rural communities were at the forefront of the development of the proposed education plan. They noticed trends that smaller supervisory unions were serving higher needs learners, while also paying their staff less. Schools are often the hub of our rural communities, enticing families to come and stay. The Secretary acknowledged the many concerns around school closures due to challenging budget decisions and would like to look towards alleviating those concerns. She added that the proposal does not propose to close schools. These decisions would need to come from the local community, but the State needs to identify clear parameters through rulemaking to assist with these decisions (ie geographic location and commute time). The Secretary acknowledged that there is a desire across the state to prioritize career technical education. The proposal looks to expand access and exposure.
Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC)
Andy Barter - CEO of Little Rivers Health Care, Chris Towne - CEO of Northern Counties Health Care, and Kayla Davis - CEO of Battenkill Valley Health Center
Chris Towne emphasized that the northeast kingdom is the most rural and medically underserved area in the State. Northern Counties Health Care is currently facing financial challenges and worries about what it means for the future of these rural communities and their access to healthcare. They have had difficulties receiving the medicaid reimbursement rate and asked the Legislature for $5M in FY26. Without appropriate funding, adjusting care rates would make out of pocket costs more expensive. Chris said that overall FQHC’s save the state and those seeking care money.
Andy Barter mentioned that Little Rivers Health Care is the only health care provider in the Orange County region. He emphasized how critical the medicaid reimbursement rate is for FQHC’s. They are surviving to thrive and meet the needs of rural communities. One example he gave is that they are able to provide behavioral health services in local schools at no cost as there are no other local resources to provide these services. However, this has depleted their cash on hand and they have overall lost money to meet the needs of the community. Andy mentioned that they have had some capital grants to improve and expand their space, however costs have significantly increased. Previously $350 per square foot, now $700-1200 per square foot due to engineering requirements for the space to be more efficient.
Kayla Davis mentioned that Battenkill Valley Health Center serves Bennington County as well as members from MA and NY. Kayla emphasized that FQHC’s serve 1 in 3 Vermonters and despite the money that they are losing, the quality of care remains. The $5M in FY26 would help bridge the gap, along with the assistance of operational adjustments to be more sustainable. Most FQHC’s are currently working with a skeleton crew due to the cost of benefits and wages. Their financial situation has also impacted their ability to pay competitive wages.
