This legislation will save lives! Over 420 Vermonters died from firearms between 2011 and 2016, and 89% of those (374 individuals) were suicides. (Source: Taylor Dobbs’ study for VPR) Vermont’s suicide death rate is 35% higher than the national average, and guns are used 59% of the time. (Source: CDC report: 6/8/18, “Vital Signs: Trends…
S.23 proposes to raise the minimum wage to $15/hour by 2024. This will make a big difference in many Vermonters’ lives. Can businesses really afford to raise wages? Powerful corporations are reaping the profits as they keep a cap on wages and eliminate benefits, turning full-time jobs into part-time jobs. They bully working people, claiming…
According to Mitzi Johnson, Vermont Speaker of the House, “this bill aims to make childcare more accessible and affordable for Vermont families by placing the retention and professional development of childcare professionals as a top priority.” H.531 invests $10.5 million in Vermont’s childcare and early learning system. It includes: • increased reimbursement rates to childcare…
To market Vermont as a place where employees can work remotely, Vermonters must have reliable internet access. Vermonters across the state, especially in rural communities, benefit when they can tap into the commerce, educational opportunities, and resources available on the web. H.513 Broadband Expansion Bill invests $1.5 million in Fiscal year 2020 into three areas…
Helping low-income Vermonters weatherize their homes is good for our economy and our way of life. H.439 generates the money to do this by asking higher income Vermonters to pay a mere average of $2/month to invest in low-income weatherization. This plan will provide the best bang for the buck and boost Vermont’s economy, while…