Rep. Wood: H.91 replaces hotel/motel vouchers with a ‘major step forward’ to house Vermonters
The issue of homelessness is not new to Vermont, but the COVID-19 pandemic illuminated just how many people in Vermont lack the safety of having a roof over their heads. H.91 would replace the “hotel/motel program.”
Rep. Torre: Highlights of H.454, the House education transformation bill
A final House vote is expected today on the major focus of our work this session, the education transformation bill, H.454.
Commentary: DOGE cuts threaten our history
History is our story. It is ours to celebrate, reconcile with, learn from, and build on. But we can’t do any of these things if we don’t have the resources to preserve and access our story. Maybe for the Trump administration, that’s the point.
Vt. schools aren’t as broken as some say – A different ‘transformation’ is in order
A more precise and measured approach is worth considering as our state tackles both structural system reforms and how we pay for education.
OPINION: Give students a seat at the table
By energetically pursuing student engagement in the next steps toward the future of public education, lawmakers can pave the way for a more inclusive and informed Vermont.
COMMENTARY: Where’s Phil Scott?
I was at the Hands-Off rally in Montpelier on Saturday. It was an amazing display of solidarity and showed the determination we need to oppose what's going on in our nation's capital.
Rep. Stevens: Another veto of ‘the very least we can do’
Unfortunately, I have to update the status of the Budget Adjustment Act, which the governor imperiously vetoed again last Friday.
LETTER: Notes on radio in the 2000s
Many of you know that Jack Donovan recently hung up his WDEV earphones. He and I had a conversation recently about changes in radio since he and I began.
LETTER: Are crowded classrooms worth minimal savings?
For those of you who think that closing elementary schools (for barely any savings) might be a good idea, please read.
OPINION: America’s suicide attempt
While I’ve greatly enjoyed studying the Middle Ages, I sure as hell wouldn’t want to live through them. We’re about to do something unprecedented among developed countries, which is to reject the benefits of modern science and medicine.
Call to action: Veteran teacher says let’s be honest about ed spending
Vermont’s Education Fund is facing a major issue—but it’s not about spending on education itself. The fund has been used as a political dumping ground, with continuous unfunded mandates piling up.
Op-Ed: ‘It could happen here’
My father told me about what he saw because he knew he was getting old, that his generation would soon pass from the world, and there were people who were saying that what he witnessed that day was a lie.
Rep. Stevens: ‘Money bills’ at the session’s halfway mark
This last week saw the House of Representatives considering the bills passed through policy committees prior to crossover, with a focus on “money bills.”
Op-Ed: Public safety and substance use needs a comprehensive approach
Vermont has long been a leader in treatment for addiction and substance use, particularly through its Hub and Spoke model which was launched nearly a decade ago to address the opioid epidemic.
State Treasurer: Hang up & report phone ‘spoofing’ calls
The Vermont Treasurer’s Office is aware that several Vermonters have received unsolicited calls from individuals claiming to be U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers.
OPINION: Continued public investment in child care is key to small business success
In order to grow our small businesses and better support working families in Vermont, we need to keep making progress on child care.
OP-ED: Youth Lobby urges lawmakers, governor to stick with climate promises
As a part of the Vermont Youth Lobby, I was one of several Vermont youth who spoke at our Rally Day of Action at the State House on March 13, and at a press conference afterward. Below is a condensed transcript of our remarks from the press conference.
LETTER: Usurpation of parents' rights continued on March 13 at the State House
Stop for one moment and imagine a role reversal of the two groups occupying Room 11 at the Vermont State House on March 13: A trans rights group reserved Room 11 and a parent’s rights group attended to disrupt. No doubt, the parent’s group would have been immediately escorted out.
LETTER: Demonstration surpressed others’ First Amendment rights
I was tremendously disappointed when I read of the suppression of the First Amendment right of free speech in the State House recently.
LETTER: Climate initiatives are investments in Vt. farmers, future
When extreme weather wipes away farmers’ harvests, when climate change fuels extreme storms, small-scale farmers—especially small growers working in harmony with the land—face devastating losses.