Bernie Buzz

Last night, on the floor of the Senate, I blocked an effort on the part of some Republicans to prevent desperately needed humanitarian aid from the United Nations and other relief agencies from getting to these Palestinians. In these very difficult times, we cannot turn our backs on these innocent men, women, and children who are desperately trying to survive. That is not what this country must ever be about.

I’ve been lucky enough to have visited farmers markets in nearly every part of our state. In my experience, each one is unique. But there is one thing that has stood out to me almost every time: Each one holds a strong sense of community.

With a new school year upon us, I wanted to take a moment to look back and celebrate Vermont’s 2023 spelling bee champion who represented our state this past summer in the 95th annual Scripps National Spelling Bee – for the second year in a row.

In a very divided Congress, where it is extremely difficult to get anything done, I wanted to give you some good news about progress being made on health care reform. Will this legislation solve all of the crises in our health care system? Absolutely not. But it will take us a major step forward in increasing access and lowering costs. I intend to do all that I can to see that it is passed.

It is hard to believe that it has now been two months since this summer’s terrible flooding devastated communities across our state. As we continue the difficult and too often heartbreaking work of recovery and rebuilding, I wanted to share some good news with you, as well as some important updates.

To my mind, and I think most Vermonters would agree, art is more than just entertainment. It is more than just a painting here, a performance there. Great art, in whatever form, can truly help us understand who we are as human beings, as a community, and as a society. Art can be a gateway to the soul and is absolutely essential as we work to create and sustain a more just and humane society.