We’re past the halfway point of the 2021 legislative session, and even though we released a legislative update just four weeks ago, we’ve already made amazing progress on a wide range of key public interest initiatives. From advancing the most comprehensive PFAS legislation to addressing Vermont’s digital divide to passing much needed reforms to our …
Cultural liaisons are a go-between for families (primarily those with limited English proficiency, LEP) and school and town staff. They have been brought on in both the Burlington and Winooski school districts, and they have been hard at work helping families with everything from filing taxes to accessing social services and building trust in our government to getting kids to class on time. Liaisons are a vital component of our communities working with LEP families all year long, bringing them together …
Today, the Vermont Senate gave initial approval to legislation (S.20) to ban PFAS and other toxic chemicals from certain products. The bill is supported by firefighters, business groups, educators, public health and children’s advocates, and environmental groups. The bill will be up for its final Senate vote tomorrow, before being sent to the House for …
Vermont Senate Advances Bill to Ban Toxic PFAS Chemicals Read More »
We’re nearly halfway through the 2021 legislative session, and even though our work continues to look totally different than it would were we not in the midst of a global pandemic, we’ve already made amazing progress on a wide range of key public interest initiatives this year. From advancing a long-stalled zero waste priority to …
In a letter to the Vermont House Appropriations Committee, VPIRG and 18 organizational allies of diverse backgrounds identified their priorities for the Fiscal Year 2022 budget, which is currently being considered in the legislature. Our aim is to encourage our state to prioritize the needs of the most vulnerable Vermonters – including BIPOC Vermonters and …
VPIRG and Coalition Partners Announce Joint Budget Priorities Read More »
Vermont’s Bottle Bill is responsible for recycling approximately 10 BILLION beverage containers since it was passed in 1972. That’s incredible! It’s true, the Bottle Bill has been Vermont’s most effective recycling law for generations. Since it took effect in 1973, it has: Reduced roadside litter, saving an estimated $34 million in litter cleanup costs, Produced …
Legislators Consider Expanding VT’s Bottle Bill – Take Action! Read More »
We’re one month into the 2021 legislative session, and already have lots of exciting updates to share with you on our various public interest priorities! Democracy Making Universal Mail-In Ballots Permanent: VPIRG has been building on the success of our 2020 “Vote Safe Vermont” campaign to grow and strengthen a diverse coalition of vote by-mail-supporters. …
We were horrified by the attack on the U.S. Capitol on January 6. The images were shocking. Members of Congress sheltering in place, doors barricaded, and guns drawn by security personnel to keep the angry mob out. One person was shot and killed inside the Capitol during the assault and several others were apparently injured. …
Join Us in Supporting Gov. Scott’s Call for Trump’s Resignation or Removal Read More »
If 2021 looked like years past, our team of advocates would be trudging up to the State House right now, prepped with policy memos and 30-second-pitches, maybe even through a foot of snow, as we did in 2019. The good news is we won’t be ruining any dress pants this year (or wasting any paper!), …
The official rollout of the Transportation and Climate Initiative began last week, and already three states (Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island) have signed on. This cap and invest strategy would give participating states the ability to significantly lower carbon emissions from the transportation sector, and create a new revenue stream for Vermont and other states …
Climate Leaders Call for Equitable Transportation & Climate Initiative Read More »
