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 …
Governor Peter Shumlin signed H.458 into law Thursday, making Vermont the fourth state in the country to enact automatic voter registration. The new law will essentially flip voter registration procedures at the Department of Motor Vehicles. Under current law, the DMV requires Vermonters to “opt in” to voter registration. But beginning in July 2017, Vermonters …
VT becomes fourth state to enact automatic voter registration Read More »
VPIRG was able to pass substantial legislation in the first half of the 2015-2016 legislative biennium and lay the groundwork for even more gains next year. We cracked through on long overdue reforms to our electoral system – including a vigorous new lobbyist disclosure law and the institution of Election Day voter registration. We ushered …
Gov. Peter Shumlin signed H.40 – the Renewable Energy Standard (RES) bill – into law today at signing ceremony in Montpelier. This law brings Vermont in line with 29 other states by requiring that electric utilities get a certain percentage of their energy from clean, renewable sources. The Renewable Energy Standard is projected to save …
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Despite numerous attempts to weaken the bill and create roadblocks to renewable energy – H.40 (the Renewable Energy Standard or “RES” bill) passed the Vermont Senate late Friday, won approval by the House, and is now on its way to the governor’s desk. H.40 will get renewables built, help Vermonters cut their fossil fuel use, …
Renewable Energy Standard Heading to Governor’s Desk Read More »
The Vermont House of Representatives voted 87-54 to pass S.29, a bill allowing Election Day registration in the state. Beginning in 2017, all eligible Vermonters will have the opportunity to register to vote on Election Day. Under current law, any Vermonter who wants to vote on Election Day must be registered by the previous Wednesday. …
On Monday Judge Christina Reiss rejected a motion from corporate food and chemical companies asking Vermont to stop implementation of the state’s GMO labeling law. The judge also dismissed a number of the plaintiffs’ claims including assertions that the law violates the commerce clause and was expressly preempted by federal law. Possibly the most important …
Today, S.20, a bill that allows dental therapists to practice in Vermont, passed the Senate floor on an 18 – 8 vote. This legislation, sponsored by Sen. Claire Ayer (D-Addison), Sen. Michael Sirotkin (D-Chittenden), and Sen. Jeanette White (D-Windham), will increase access to affordable, quality dental care for all Vermonters. Sponsor and Chair of the Government …
Legislation to Improve Access to Dental Care for All Passes Senate Floor Read More »
Last week the Vermont Senate passed legislation to bring necessary consumer protections to the rent-to-own industry. The bill passed on a unanimous voice vote and now heads to the House of Representatives. These businesses rent out home goods such as couches, refrigerators and televisions to consumers at a premium price, giving consumers the ability to …
Rent-to-Own Bill Headed to the House of Representatives Read More »
