Bernie Buzz

Rural communities in Vermont and across the country face a number of challenges. One of them, which does not get a lot of attention, is the enormously important role that volunteer fire departments play in their communities and the struggles many of them currently have in retaining their membership and attracting new recruits.

The tradition of maple sugaring runs deep in Vermont in the land and our people. From small sugarshacks tucked into backyard woods to larger more commercial operations that help make Vermont the number one producer of maple syrup in the country, sugaring remains a key part of our economy, identity, and heritage. Maple sugaring in Vermont is often a family-owned, multigenerational affair.

As you read this, the number of COVID cases in Vermont are reaching levels far greater than at any point in the crisis. Today, I am writing to you with some news that should be of help as we fight this terrible pandemic.

The bad news is that as a result of the pandemic our doctors, nurses and other health care providers are under enormous stress. The good news is that, because of an historic investment in the American Rescue Plan, help is on the way for many. Today, health care workers in Vermont can apply now to participate in the National Health Service Corps and receive student loan repayment by working at specific health care facilities throughout our state that provide care for underserved populations.

Let me take this opportunity to wish everyone a healthy and happy new year. I also want to take a moment to review some of the major actions that took place in Washington over the last year, and how they will impact Vermont.

Like almost every state in this country Vermont has faced a nursing shortage for many, many years. That shortage has been significantly exacerbated by the pandemic, and we now face a crisis situation.