Report from Montpelier
The first half of the legislative session is behind us. What does that mean? All bills must be voted out of committee in the House and the Senate in order for them to be considered by the other body.
Sunshine Week 2022: Transparency is key to restoring public trust
Every year we join with government transparency advocates from around the country to celebrate Sunshine Week (this year March 13-19), serving as a reminder that a well-functioning government is built upon the public’s right to know. Good government is open government!
St. Joseph’s Orphanage story offers lessons for abuse prevention
There is an extraordinary exhibit at the Vermont History Museum, one that I encourage you to visit. It will be there until July 30.
From the State House: Town Meeting report
We’ve reached the halfway point of the 2022 legislative session!
LETTER: Fire chief stresses No Parking zone at fire stations
Recently, the fire department has been confronted with an increase in the number of people parking in front of the fire stations.
OPINION: Vermont has a voter suppression problem. It’s called Town Meeting.
Many, mostly Southern, states are now enacting legislation making it more difficult for citizens to vote. This disenfranchisement is blatantly directed at people of color and the working poor, and is rightfully condemned in most national media.
We don’t have this problem in Vermont, right? Wrong.
My old school: How life was at Waterbury High
I, along with my fellow classmates, attended the Waterbury Graded/High School for nine years from 1957 to 1965. We went to the same school our parents and grandparents went to — and it showed. Our desks were fixed to the floor in rows and had a hole in the top to hold ink bottles for the old quill pens.
‘Climate of injustice and racial inequity’ in Vermont schools deserves change
To address incidents of racism and intolerance in high schools around Vermont, the Vermont Student Anti-Racism Network plans to hold discussions about racism and social justice, and talks where students can focus on specific examples in their schools. An informational meeting is scheduled for March 1.
Rep. Wood: Voters to decide two constitutional amendments
It’s hard to believe that we are approaching the second anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Matt Krauss: Thank you for your service
Vermonters are bombarded on a regular basis that race relations are terrible and that we are unable to form a cohesive group working towards a common promising goal.
Waterbury Winterfest organizers thank the community
On behalf of Waterbury Winterfest, we would like to thank you and all who contributed to a successful second edition of our online Wanderlust Challenge and the return of our in-person mid-winter events in Waterbury.
Rep. Ode: Bill aims to end child marriage in Vermont
This week, the Vermont House is considering H.631, a bill that would ban child marriage.
Opinion: We can take more steps to prevent child sexual abuse
Tens of thousands of children are victims of sexual abuse and exploitation in the U.S. every year — in their homes, communities and online.
LETTER: Still time to join school board election
Now is the time to run for the school board if you have ever had an interest or desire to make a difference in your schools, education, and community.
Opinion: Rebuilding faith in democracy one fact at a time
It only takes just a few minutes online to get a snapshot of America in 2022: a country divided, a digital battleground of rhetoric where information is wielded as a weapon.
LETTER: Local writers invited to journalism workshop
Community News Service – a University of Vermont initiative – is offering a free six-part media training course to provide training in basic reporting skills, from interviewing to sourcing to media ethics and photography.
Counterpoint: Infantilizing women is not OK
Tim Newcomb’s cartoon in the Jan. 19 edition of the Times-Argus compares the three candidates running for the U.S. House of Representatives.
Students lobby for bill to promote anti-racism school curriculum
The bill H. 584 was just introduced in the Vermont Legislature. As Vermont high school students who worked closely on creating and developing this bill, we hope it will move swiftly through the legislature and be passed into law.
Leahy, Sanders: One year after the Jan. 6 insurrection
Vermont’s two U.S. Senators offered remarks on Jan. 6, 2022 about the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol one year ago. Sen. Patrick Leahy made a speech on the Senate floor. Sen. Bernie Sanders shared his thoughts on social media. These are the full text versions of their comments.
PTOs can channel support to COVID-weary school staff
I feel compelled to make this plea to the community to please do what you can to help our schools right now -- they really need it more than ever. It really takes a village.