This morning, the House Committee on Government Operations took testimony on H. 196. This legislation, proposed by Representative Kevin “Coach” Christie of Hartford (and co-sponsored by 36 other House Reps), would create two additional full-time equivalent (FTE) positions to support the work of the Executive Director of Racial Equity in the Administration. The positions as outlined in the bill are a policy & research …
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 »
If you own a piece of equipment, you should be able to fix it. This seems like a fairly obvious and uncontroversial idea, right? And yet, more and more, consumers are unable to make basic repairs to products they own because manufacturers refuse to provide the parts, tools, and documentation necessary to do so. That’s …
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. …
This Town Meeting Day, Burlington voters have the opportunity to make a major impact on our city’s climate action future by voting YES on questions 3 and 7. Check out the campaign website here. These two crucial measures will empower the city to do more to transform how buildings in Burlington are heated while centering equity …
Burlington: Climate is on the Ballot this Town Meeting Day Read More »
Vermont’s 2021 legislative session is well under way, and everyone’s top priority is tackling COVID-19, providing economic relief to Vermonters, and rebuilding Vermont’s economy and communities to be stronger and more resilient than they were before this crisis. We also know that the many other threats to the health and wellbeing of our people …
Transportation Modernization Act Introduced with 70 Cosponsors Read More »
This isn’t breaking news, but it can’t be repeated enough – the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic devastation it has wrought has caused many Vermonters to face incredible hardships. In Vermont, our elected leaders have enacted a number of policies to mitigate the financial impact of this crisis – and VPIRG members have supported several …
VPIRG Supports a Moratorium on Auto Repossessions During the Pandemic Read More »
At VPIRG, we’re not generally in the business of urging people not to demonstrate or protest peacefully. These are time-honored tactics by which we make our voices heard and show the breadth of support for our campaigns. In fact, the day after the election in November we co-sponsored a State House rally aimed at making …
VPIRG Statement on Expected Protests in Montpelier Read More »
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 »
