We’ve recently wrapped up a busy, successful – and, in some cases, challenging – legislative session. VPIRG members helped win some exciting victories on environmental justice, getting mercury out of lighting in Vermont, a record-setting $200 million for climate action in the budget, and more! But we also faced some disappointments–falling just short in our …
Updated (5/24/2018): Gov. Phil Scott has vetoed H.196, the paid family and medical leave bill. Although the governor has been a vocal opponent to a paid family and medical leave program, VPIRG and allies had hoped he would heed the message of Vermont’s working families, small businesses, and public interest advocates who have demonstrated overwhelming …
Updated: Phil Scott Vetoes Paid Family & Medical Leave Read More »
While much attention has rightfully been focused on Congress’ and the president’s efforts to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, Vermonters still have important health care concerns to address here at home. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Vermont and MVP Health Care have recently proposed rate hikes of 12.7% and 7.7% respectively to their …
This session, the Vermont Senate passed a bill that would have weakened the state’s existing strong law banning gifts from pharmaceutical and medical device companies to Vermont medical professionals. More and more, researchers are finding that gifts – even as seemingly insignificant as a free meal – have a real impact on consequent decisions made …
On Sunday, January 15th, we stood among over 1,000 Vermonters at the Burlington rally for health care, held in conjunction with over 70 other events across the country organized by Senator Bernie Sanders. Together, we stood for the tens of millions of Americans who have gained access to health care coverage through the Affordable Care Act, …
Right now, twenty cents of every dollar we earn as Vermonters goes to pay for health care costs. On top of that, a third of all Vermonters either can’t afford their health insurance, or they have no health insurance at all. Costs are far outpacing economic growth, meaning that for the average Vermonter health care is becoming …
2016 Gubernatorial Candidates & Health Care Reform Read More »
This week Governor Shumlin signed S.20 into law, making Vermont the fourth state in the nation to allow dental therapists to provide dental care. Dental therapists will be licensed Vermont hygienists with additional education and training, so that they can offer some of the most needed dental procedures such as fillings and simple extractions. Governor …
Today Governor Shumlin made it easier for all Vermonters to access contraceptives by signing bill H.620 into law. In a ceremony on the State House steps, the Governor, legislative allies, and advocates discussed the need to guarantee access to birth control, and the stark contrast between Vermont and other states where politicians are trying to …
Governor signs nation’s most comprehensive birth control access law Read More »
You may have heard that the just-completed 2016 legislative session was lacking in big ideas or major accomplishments. While it’s true that the looming election and pending retirement of many prominent legislators was a distraction this year, it did not prevent real progress on a number of important fronts. That’s important because many of the …
The Access to Birth Control bill, H.620, is on track to become law after the Vermont General Assembly approved the measure Wednesday. With strong tri-partisan support, the bill passed 128-15-7 in the House and by unanimous voice vote in the Senate. This comprehensive legislation will increase access to the full range of reproductive health care, …
Vermont passes comprehensive birth control legislation Read More »
