This is a strange time to be releasing our 2019 Annual Report. In some ways, it feels like a time capsule, a reminder of bygone days – before Trump’s impeachment, before the global spread of COVID-19, before we knew the names Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, or George Floyd. In recent…
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No voter in Vermont should have to choose between staying safe and exercising their right to vote this year. But there is no question that during this pandemic, in-person voting can be dangerous for voters and poll workers alike. This is especially true for the November general election, when voter…
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No one should have to choose between staying safe and exercising their right to vote. But we’re heading toward an election in the middle of a pandemic. Early voting for Vermont’s August primary begins in late June. And there is no way of knowing what the COVID-19 threat will be…
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During this crisis, we need to do everything we can to protect frontline workers who are making it possible for life to go on for the rest of us. At the same time, we need to guard against corporate interests trying to use the crisis as leverage to win policies…
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VPIRG Executive Director Paul Burns, here. Recently, I shared with you some of the immediate changes we’ve made here at VPIRG in response to the rapidly evolving COVID-19 crisis. We’ve already adjusted the way our staff conducts work and shifted our focus to prioritize urgent emerging public interest issues. Today, I’m…
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It’s hard to be shocked these days by something the Trump administration does to harm the environment and public health. But several days ago, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) made a truly shocking announcement. Now headed by Andrew Wheeler, a Trump appointee and…
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We’re an organization proud of our defense of facts and good policy, and deeply committed to protecting the public interest. So, what does that look like in these uncertain times? When it comes to COVID-19, facts and good policy are evolving rapidly, but what is clear is that in order…
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Today, we’re excited to announce the launch of a major new initiative. This month we are forming VPIRG Votes – a political campaign arm for our organization. Later this year, for the first time ever, we plan to support public interest champions running for the Vermont State House, Senate and…
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The Senate has given final approval on a 30-0 vote to S.113 – legislation to address the problem of plastic pollution in Vermont. The Senate had previously given initial approval to the bill on a 27-3 vote. Though this is just the first step toward stopping the problem, if passed…
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Across the country and here in Vermont, candidates are being asked to reject campaign contributions from the gas, oil and coal industries. And it’s working. Already, 100+ Vermont candidates who will be on the ballot in November have stepped up to take the pledge. Check out the full list of signers!…
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