Bernie Buzz

I have looked forward to traveling around the state and speaking with Vermonters in person again for a long time, and I’m very grateful I got to do just that this past Wednesday. Thank you to all the Vermonters I visited in Addison and Rutland counties.

Right now, we have a real opportunity to fund specific projects that can improve the lives of Vermonters in every corner of our state. Do you have a project idea? Perhaps an affordable housing, infrastructure, education, or community engagement project? I have the privilege of nominating several Vermont projects for funding through the congressional appropriations process.

The American Rescue Plan (ARP) is, to my mind, one of the most significant pieces of legislation for working families in the modern history of this country. From $1.3 billion in direct aid to state and local governments; checks for individuals; and, critical investments in housing, health care, and education; this new law addresses the very real needs of Vermonters. Importantly, this law includes significant assistance for our small businesses.

Join me for a series of virtual meetings on the American Rescue Plan (ARP) on April 7 and 8. I will be meeting with local small businesses, town leaders, and public libraries to discuss their experiences during the coronavirus pandemic and how we can best use the substantial federal funding coming into the state to strengthen our local economies and communities.

Vermont High School Students: I want to hear from you! After such a difficult year, you deserve a great summer. Thanks to the passage of the American Rescue Plan, there will be a historic investment in summer opportunities for you. To make sure these opportunities match what you need, I want to hear directly from you about how you want to spend summer 2021.

During the last year I have heard from thousands of Vermonters about the struggles they have faced during this terrible pandemic. Whether it is the need to find affordable health care, the loss of jobs and income, fears about feeding their families, mental health issues, worries about getting evicted from their homes or concerns about the disruption of their kids’ education – Vermonters, like all Americans, have suffered through a very difficult period.