Legislature Opens the Door to Big Money in Elections In a remarkable reversal of past priorities, Vermont legislators opened the 2014 session by voting to allow even more money in state elections. Gov. Shumlin signed the bill (S.82) into law on Jan. 23rd, despite having heard from over 1,500 VPIRG members urging him to veto …
The rise of the Super PACs, made possible by misguided U.S. Supreme Court decisions, including Citizens United, are flooding our elections with special interest cash. Even in Vermont, a Super PAC funded almost entirely by a single individual spent nearly $1 million to elect or defeat state candidates in the 2012 election season. That’s why …
We’re saddened to report that VPIRG canvasser and friend, Ben Mohla, was killed in a car crash on Saturday evening, Nov. 23rd. Ben and two others were on their way to Massachusetts when the vehicle spun out of control due to the snowy conditions and hit a tree. Ben always wanted to make everyone around …
Do you want to be part of the solution to our most pressing environmental problems? The Environmental Summit is your chance to join like-minded individuals and organizations for a day of inspiring speakers and energizing workshops. Register at http://bit.ly/VTEnvSummit.
Supreme Court case could add over $1 billion in contributions from large donors over next four election cycles MONTPELIER – The U.S. Supreme Court is hearing oral arguments today in McCutcheon v. FEC and Vermonters are paying attention. Advocates, including the Vermont Public Interest Research Group (VPIRG), say the case would further increase the electoral …
MEDIA RELEASE: Vermont policy on hold as Supreme Court hears McCutcheon v. FEC Read More »
Last November, when VPIRG laid out a plan to force Super PAC contributors into the light of day, legislators of all political stripes took notice. The window for passing comprehensive elections reform legislation – which had been closed for years – appeared to open. In fact, the Legislature took steps toward that goal. The Senate …
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 …
Despite the near-unanimous agreement at the beginning of the legislative session that this would be the year to pass meaningful reforms to Vermont’s campaign finance law, legislators declared the issue dead for the year.
Within the next 24 hours, a key House committee will vote on whether to give very wealthy individuals and corporations the right to pour even more money into Vermont elections. And at this moment, it looks like the vote will be bad – very bad. Help us to get Big Money OUT of Politics in Vermont! …
Key Committee Could Vote to Put More Money in Politics Read More »
Minutes after debate over corporate influence, Coca-Cola wins out over public good in Senate Finance Committee MONTPELIER, VT—Just minutes after an extended floor debate about the possible influence of corporate contributions, the Senate Finance Committee opted against a publicly-supported proposal to have the state keep an estimated $1-3 million per year in unclaimed Bottle Bill …
NEWS RELEASE: Corporate Influence and Coke’s Win over the Public Good Read More »
