Chip Sawyer from the Center for Rural Studies (CRS) at the University of Vermont appeared on TV and radio yesterday, talking about the release of the 2010 Census numbers. (See our post from yesterday: "Census: Vermont population up 2.8% over past decade.")

Vermont’s total population is 625,741, according to the first set of data released from the 2010 Census.

This represents an increase of 2.8% from the count in 2000 — a dramatic slowing of the population growth rate compared to the 8.2% growth between 1990 and 2000. Only six states grew more slowly than Vermont between 2000 and 2010.

Deputy State Treasurer Beth Pearce of Barre will become the state's new Treasurer next month. Governor-elect Peter Shumlin made the announcement yesterday.

Beth has 30 years of government finance experience in Vermont, Massachusetts and New York.

Governor-elect Peter Shumlin appointed Noelle MacKay (pictured) Commissioner of the Department of Economic, Housing and Community Affairs.