Bernie Buzz

I hope you will join me on Friday, January 23, for a town meeting with Dr. Stephen Leffler, the new CEO of University of Vermont (UVM) Health. In his role, Dr. Leffler is responsible for leading the largest health care institution in the state, which includes UVM Medical Center, Porter Medical Center, Central Vermont Medical Center, and UVM Home Health and Hospice. The UVM Health Network also includes three hospitals in Upstate New York. Together, Dr. Leffler and I will discuss how we improve our broken health care system, expanding access and lowering costs. We look forward to taking your questions.

On Friday, I visited Mount Mansfield Union (MMU) High School in Jericho to talk with students and hear their thoughts on some of the very important issues facing our state and our country. The good news is that these young people are smart, engaged and thoughtful about the world. From artificial intelligence to tax policy, to education and health care, they are paying attention and thinking about how these issues impact their lives.

No doubt about it. The year 2025 has had its share of difficulties, and too many Vermonters are struggling economically or emotionally. Together, we have got to do all that we can to make 2026 a better year.

This past weekend, I was joined by Senator Peter Welch and Congresswoman Becca Balint at the Vermont State House for a very special event. We were there to recognize 23 young Vermonters whom we are nominating to United States military service academies for the class of 2030. We were pleased that many proud parents and siblings joined us, as well as five Vermonters who are currently attending one or another academy.

For decades, the Community College of Vermont and our state college system have opened doors for Vermont students, regardless of income, to continue their education. The good news is that the University of Vermont is now joining that effort through its UVM Promise program.

I am delighted that over a thousand Vermonters in Burlington, St. Albans, Bennington and Rutland joined me this weekend in celebrating the holidays at our second annual “Cookies and Carols” events. We had great local music, seasonal beverages and some very good desserts. More importantly, these gatherings brought people of all ages together to enjoy each other’s company and spread a little old-fashioned holiday cheer.