Below is a message from VPIRG board member Dr. Michael Scollins. Health care in an advanced society such as ours should be a right, not a privilege. The U.S. has available the best health care in the world, but it lacks a system to deliver it equitably. Approximately 30% of our population are un- or …
*Update: We will be live streaming Dr. Shiva’s talk starting at 3:55 Sunday November 2nd. To view the live stream click here!* Dr. Vandana Shiva, the internationally recognized scientist and activist will visit Vermont on November 2nd and 3rd for two public speaking engagements. Dr. Shiva will speak in support of Vermont’s first-in-the nation, “no …
Dr. Vandana Shiva to Speak in Favor of VT’s GMO Law Read More »
A new study released last week by HealthyStuff.org found elevated levels of toxic chemicals in popular Halloween costumes, accessories and even “trick or treat” bags. The products were purchased from top national retailers including CVS, Kroger, Party City, Target, Walmart, and Walgreens. These chemicals have no place in products for our little ones. For instance …
New Report Finds Toxic Chemicals in Childrens’ Halloween Costumes Read More »
Last legislative session VPIRG led the charge to pass the toxic-free families act, a bill that will protect children from dangerous toxins that big companies hide in children’s products. The landmark legislation created a list of 66 toxic chemicals (borrowed from Washington State) that the Vermont Department of Health can take further regulatory action on …
EPA Adds 23 Chemicals to Action List: 9 Already on Vermont’s List Read More »
VPIRG and its allies at the Center for Food Safety (CFS) have been granted permission by a federal judge to file legal briefs at every stage of the litigation over Vermont’s new GMO labeling law.
The Green Mountain Care Board announced Tuesday that they would making significant cuts to the proposed premium rate hikes by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Vermont (BCBS) and MVP Health care. After receiving over 200 comments from VPIRG members and supporters, the Board cut BCBS and MVP’s proposed rates by 2.2% and 4.4% respectively. “The …
Green Mountain Care Board Cuts Proposed Rate Hikes Read More »
Since VPIRG and the Center for Food Safety (CFS) filed our motion to intervene last month we have seen a lot of action in the case to defend Vermont’s GMO labeling law. In response to VPIRG and CFS’s motion to intervene the state of Vermont has said that they do not oppose VPIRG’s intervention in …
VPIRG responds to legal motions and the State calls for court to dismiss GMO lawsuit Read More »
In an open letter to Gov. Peter Shumlin, Senators Chris Bray and Claire Ayer of Addison County and Rep. Willem Jewett of Ripton to Gov.raised serious concerns about the proposed fracked gas pipeline to International Paper in New York. The letter calls for no permit to be issued for the pipeline “unless and until the state provides clear and convincing answers to …
Lawmakers voice concerns about fracked gas pipeline Read More »
Vermonters already have the fifth most expensive health insurance plans in the country, and now Blue Cross Blue Shield and MVP have asked the Green Mountain Care Board to approve average premium increases of 9.8% and 15.4% respectively. If these premium hikes are approved, Vermont Health Connect coverage options could be some of the most expensive …
Green Mountain Care Board Considers Health Insurance Premium Increases Read More »
A visual manifestation of an amazing session Thoughts from VPIRG’s Field Director, Liz Edsell At the beginning of the 2014 legislative session, I created a “scoreboard” on a whiteboard. There were just too many darn bills we were working on and I needed a spot where I could keep track of our progress on all …
