One of my favorite things about directing VPIRG is that by working with members like you and our partners across the state, we manage to get things done that my colleagues in other states can only dream about. Consider our list of accomplishments in the legislative session that just ended on Friday.
On Thursday, the Senate gave final approval to a bill that requires manufacturers of mercury-containing lamps to establish and finance a free and convenient recycling program for their spent bulbs from residents and small businesses. Pending the Governor’s approval, Vermont will become the third state in the country to establish such a program.
S.15 moved one step closer to the Governor’s desk today, thanks to hundreds of supporters who emailed their Representatives this week and joined us at the State House this morning. Nearly a hundred of moms, dads, and kids desended on the State House to voice their support for the bill by giving their Representatives personalized photographs.
The House Committee on Health Care has just passed the Midwife Bill (S.15). This bill would allow more couples to choose home births for their babies by requiring insurance companies to cover midwifery services, including home births.
The bill (S.15) is about choice, fairness, and cost savings.
The Vermont Electric Coop board of directors just voted 9-1 to reject Entergy’s offer to sell power to them after 2012. The Coop has stood up and said they’re not interested in doing business with an untrustworthy corporation like Entergy Lousiana.
This is a proud day for Vermonters. While other states are busy fighting federal reform and slashing their health care programs, Vermont has raised the bar with the passage of H.202. Our elected leaders deserve great credit for bucking the national trend and choosing patients over profits.
VPIRG has joined forces with the Vermont Birth Network, and a host of other organizations, to bring you an on-going art exhibit and a 3 week series of events focused on celebration, education, and conversation. All to help families stay safe, healthy and active as they expand – as well as to support the growing number of local businesses and care providers that share these ideals.
Thanks to everyone who called into the State House. Thanks to you we are one step closer to universal heath care!
Just minutes ago we got word that the State Senate is fast tracking the health care bill and will be voting on it today.
Monday morning, executives from Entergy, Vermont Yankee’s corporate owner, decided to go back on their word yet again and sue the state of Vermont, claiming Vermont doesn’t have the right to weigh in on Vermont Yankee’s future.
With warmer weather here and the snow quickly disappearing, many of us are looking forward to getting outside to enjoy Vermont’s spectacular natural environment. Unfortunately, some of our state’s pristine, protected state lands are at risk of being damaged and degraded by the use of All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs).
