News and Updates

Green Mountain Care Board Lowers Rates for the Exchange

Health Care, News and Updates / By

Yesterday the Green Mountain Care Board announced that they will require MVP and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Vermont to lower their rates for health insurance to be offered through Vermont Health Connect. Blue Cross will lower their average premium rates by 4.3% and while MVP will be reduced by 5.3%. This decision means that Vermonters buying mid level coverage on the exchange could be seeing their monthly premiums go down by approximately $20.

Brattleboro Co-op and Rep. Toleno Welcome VPIRG’s Massive GMO Labeling Effort to Windham County

Consumer Protection, News and Updates / By

Representative Toleno and the Brattleboro Co-op welcomed the 60 grassroots canvassers who traveled to southern Vermont to camp out of Fort Dummer State Park for the week while reaching out to residents in towns across Windham County. The VPIRG citizen outreach team will knock on doors in every town in Vermont this summer to build support for labeling GMOs.

VPIRG Statement on ACA Business Mandate Announcement

Health Care, News and Updates / By

Yesterday the Obama Administration announced that they would not require large businesses to provide health insurance to their employees until 2015. VPIRG Consumer Protection Advocate Falko Schilling commented on the decision saying “Yesterday’s announcement from Washington, D.C. has little effect on the options Vermonters will have for purchasing health insurance next year, or the progress …

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NEWS RELEASE: President Obama’s Climate Plan a Clear Victory for Vermont, Future Generations

Climate & Energy, News and Updates / By

For Immediate Release: June 25, 2013 Contact: Paul Burns, VPIRG 802-793-1985, paul@vpirg.org   President Obama’s Climate Plan a Clear Victory for Vermont, Future Generations  MONTPELIER, VT – Today, President Obama announced a climate plan that will set limits on carbon pollution from power plants, advance energy efficiency and increase the nation’s commitment to renewable energy …

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VPIRG Director Speaks at Wind Ribbon-Cutting

Climate & Energy, News and Updates, Wind / By

The grand opening of Vermont’s newest wind farm, Georgia Mountain Community Wind, was celebrated by VPIRG director, Paul Burns, and a number of volunteer, interns, and staff.  The project consists of four 2.5 MW turbines in Milton and Georgia and all power has been purchased by Burlington Electric Department.  When operating at peak capacity, the …

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Legislation to Protect Vermonters from Toxic Flame Retardant Chemicals Becomes Law

News and Updates, Toxics & Environmental Health / By

VPIRG Environmental Health Advocate, Lauren Hierl, joined Governor Shumlin, legislators, and fire fighters to celebrate toxic flame retardant ban at the fire station in Burlington. Read Lauren’s address made at the bill signing: “I’m thrilled to join today’s celebration as Governor Shumlin signs into law the nation’s strongest bill to protect kids and fire fighters …

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Legislative Accomplishments 2013

Bottle Bill, Climate & Energy, Consumer Protection, Elections and Government Reform, Health Care, News and Updates, Resources, Toxics & Environmental Health, Victories, Zero Waste / By

The legislative session is over, and the results are in.  Here at VPIRG, we’re celebrating the victories that our members helped to bring about. Thank you! Of course, we didn’t win every fight.  The Legislature failed to commit the necessary resources to weatherize our homes and businesses, for example.  But we’re taking the time to celebrate …

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Vermont Passes Consumer Centered Health Care Reform Bill

Health Care, News and Updates / By

The VPIRG-backed legislation that passed in the final hours of the 2013 legislative session will make it easier for consumers to hold insurers accountable when they try to raise your rates. Under the new law, consumers can sign up to receive notifications when their insurer is planning to hike rates, and can have their voices …

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