As Jerry Greenfield pointed out, the first step for real campaign finance reform is persuading Gov. Shumlin to veto S.82. It’s a bill that would give corporations, PACs and very wealthy folks more influence over how we elect our leaders in Montpelier—and that’s not only unnecessary, it’s just wrong. If Gov. Shumlin vetoes S.82, then …
This is the message that Jerry Greenfield, co-founder of Ben and Jerry’s, sent out to VPIRG members urging action on a bad bill to put more money in politics. Why I’m asking for a veto of S.82 We might not agree on politics or religion, heck we might not agree on Chunky Monkey or Phish …
Why Jerry Greenfield is asking for a veto of S.82 Read More »
Over the objection of VPIRG and the hundreds members who emailed and called their representatives, the Vermont House voted overwhelmingly to approve a bill that makes it legal for corporations, PACs and wealthy individuals to throw even more money into Vermont elections. You can read more about what happened here. Just look at what S.82 …
House Votes to Put More Money in Vermont Politics Read More »
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 …
