The Bernie Buzz

The time is long overdue for us to get our national priorities right. Many millions of Americans today are finding it hard to afford health care, prescription drugs, housing, child care, and other basic necessities of life. And, yet, we supposedly don’t have the resources to help them.

For decades, Congress and the FDA have allowed giant food and beverage corporations to make huge profits by enticing children and adults to consume ultra-processed foods and beverages loaded up with sugar, salt, and saturated fat. The result: the health of our kids and all Americans is being undermined.

I’m happy to invite you to holiday gatherings that I am hosting across the state! These fun-for-all-ages events are a great opportunity to come together for old fashioned holiday season celebrations to enjoy holiday music, eat sweet treats, and connect with friends and neighbors.

Great ideas can come from anyone – not just those in power. Which is why I am happy to announce that my 15th annual State of the Union Essay Contest for Vermont high school students is now open! The contest is an opportunity for students to ask themselves: If I were the President of the United States and I was delivering the State of the Union address before Congress, the nation, and the world, what would I say? What is one major issue facing our country and how would I propose solving it?

This time of year, I am always reminded of the Thanksgiving scene painted by one of my favorite artists, Norman Rockwell. Many people don’t know this, but Rockwell actually lived for a time in Arlington, Vermont, and painted some of his most well-known pieces there, including his “Four Freedoms.” He even used many of his Vermont neighbors as models and inspiration in his work.

With winter around the corner, I know many Vermonters are worried about keeping their families, and themselves, safe and warm through the season. The good news is that assistance is available to help eligible Vermonters afford their heating bills, their electric bills, and to weatherize their homes. There is also assistance available to repair and replace furnaces and fuel tanks.