Victories
2017 Summer Canvass: Most Successful in VPIRG History
At the end of August, the 2017 VPIRG Summer Canvass wrapped up what was the most successful canvassing operation in VPIRG history–by far. Led by ten canvass directors, VPIRG staffed over 100 canvassers throughout the summer, with a peak staff size of 94—the largest in VPIRG history. The campaign, called “Vermont Fights Back,” focused on …
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Gov. Scott Signs Retirement Security Bill
In front of a large crowd on Thursday at the Northern Stage theater in White River Junction, Governor Scott signed into law S.135, a bill that creates a state-administered retirement program. As part of a larger economic development bill that supports rural and downtown development, Section C of the legislation authorizes the Treasurer’s Office to implement …
2017 Legislative Accomplishments
Given what’s happening in Washington DC and the real threats to what we would consider Vermonters’ well being–our health, our environment, many of our values–we expected more activity on the part of Vermont legislators to push back against these threats. Some people have suggested that the new leadership in the State House needed time to …
Public Retirement Plan Passes the House!
Vermont is moving forward with expanding access to quality retirement savings options for employees of smaller businesses. The House voted overwhelmingly in favor of S.135, an economic omnibus bill that included the public retirement plan. The bill passed the Senate in early April, and is now in Conference Committee awaiting final approval before it heads …
House Approves Paid Family Leave!
The paid family leave insurance proposal, H.196, has been approved by the Vermont House! After hours of debate, representatives acted to advance the bill to the Senate by a vote of 88-58, where it will likely be taken up next year. Despite being significantly weakened throughout the committee process, H.196 still provides an important benefit …
Gov. Shumlin Signs Dental Therapy Law!
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 …
S.230 Fixed!
Late last night the legislature passed a fixed version of the energy siting bill (S.230) previously vetoed by Gov. Peter Shumlin. The new bill (S.260) made four simple clarifications necessary to address the governor’s concerns. VPIRG supports this bill. It will empower towns and regions to take a greater role, and get a greater say, …
Governor Signs New Law to Protect Vermonters from Toxic Chemicals
Earlier this week Governor Shumlin was joined by elected officials, advocates, and members of the North Bennignton Community to sign H.595 in to law. The new law addresses issues that arose out of the PFOA contamination found in North Bennington earlier this year, and initiates a process to evaluate how the state can better protect …
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Governor signs nation’s most comprehensive birth control access law
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 …
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