Treasurer Pieciak: Medical Debt Relief invests in Vermonters
As Vermont’s Treasurer, I am committed to making investments that lower costs, strengthen our economy, and support healthier communities. I believe every Vermonter deserves a fair shot at success, regardless of the situation they are born into.
COMMENTARY: We can have abundant housing and a healthy environment
Vermont can both grow housing and protect our natural resources. The key to success will be not succumbing to the “zero-sum” mentality that too often pits progress in one area against another.
LETTER: Public Assets Institute reacts to Gov. Phil Scott’s budget address
Gov. Phil Scott said again today he would reform education by doing more with less. We're hearing understandable concerns about his plan. While we don't know all the details yet, we've heard this promise before—and don’t have a lot to show for it.
LETTER: Not supporting the proposed Harwood budget
I attended the Jan. 22 Harwood School Board meeting. It allows a total of 15 min. for public comment before the board begins discussion of business. I wanted to share my comments in full with the community at large.
LETTER: School budget reflects ‘hard choices’ with most tax rates dropping
We write to ask you to consider supporting the school district budget on or before Town Meeting Day, Tuesday, March 4.
Op-Ed: Assessing the future of the Clean Heat Standard
The Clean Heat Standard, envisioned as a part of Act 18 of 2023, had the overall aim of reducing the use of fossil fuels used for heating in Vermont. Act 18 did not implement the Clean Heat Standard but instead required the Public Utility Commission to study the idea and issue a detailed report.
Op-Ed: Why fossil fuels are not the answer to affordability
One thing nearly all Vermonters seem to agree on is that we want living in our state to be more affordable. When it comes to energy, continued dependence on high-cost and price-volatile fossil fuels like gasoline, fuel oil, and propane is not a path to affordability.
LETTER: Remembering Hunter Wright
If you are someone who knew Hunter, loves/loved skateboarding, or know of someone who has died by suicide, please consider making a donation in Hunter’s memory.
LETTER: Hannah’s House sponsors free online parenting series
Hannah's House is offering a free four-part parenting class for community members in the Harwood school district via Zoom starting Jan. 29.
Sen. Sanders: As Gaza ceasefire nears, the U.S. must learn from its role in the horrific tragedy
U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., today released this statement ahead of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, which is poised to begin on Sunday, Jan. 19.
LETTER: ‘Put students first’ in crafting the school budget
I would like to submit for readers comments that I presented to the Harwood Unified Union School Board at their Jan. 8 meeting. The text follows.
Op-Ed: Overcomplicated or simple, the message must still deliver
Since the November election, many Vermont Democrats have been reflecting on the results and lessons learned. To some, a significant problem was messaging.
COMMENTARY: Sen. Williams—we will not “get over it”
The new vice-chair of the Senate Natural Resources Committee, Sen. Terry Williams, R-Poultney, kicks off the legislative session with a rude and dismissive response to a constituent's concerns about trapping.
LETTER: Lobby now for Equal Rights Amendment
Did you know the U.S. does NOT have an Equal Rights Amendment? We have the chance now to get it done. Once and for all. Give women the same protections under the law as men have.
Treasurer Pieciak: Saving for retirement can be an easy New Year’s resolution
As we welcome the New Year, many Vermonters are setting resolutions to build new skills, improve their health, or spend more time with loved ones. This year, let's add a resolution that really pays off: saving for retirement.
COMMENTARY: Central VT Habitat for Humanity mourns the death of former President Jimmy Carter
Central Vermont Habitat for Humanity joins the world in mourning the death of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and joins observances around the world to remember his life of service.
LETTER: There’s time to put the ERA into effect
Did you know the United States does NOT have an Equal Rights Amendment? We have the chance now to get it done once and for all. Give women the same protections under the law as men have.
Op-Ed: Anglers vs. wake boats
Anglers take note: Waterbury Reservoir and nine other Vermont lakes have individually petitioned the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources to ban wakesports and/or wake boats — 500-horsepower behemoth vessels that create artificial wakes for behind-the-boat surfing.
LETTER: Public Support Drives Council on Aging’s many free services
This month, Central Vermont Council on Aging looks to the public to help sustain our diverse selection of free services for older adults in central Vermont.
LETTER: Thank you to Sunflower Natural Foods
Everybody knows it takes a village. It takes collective effort to raise a child, to raise social consciousness and to raise the quality of life. What does it take to nurture and nourish that village? The Sunflower Natural Foods Store has fulfilled that role for the past 20 years.