The Bernie Buzz

Too often, the needs of our first responders get ignored or swept under the rug. Too often, their stories and experiences on the job go unheard. To my mind, that has got to change. And that’s why the Bernie Buzz, in the coming months, will feature some stories on the vitally important work done by first responders in Vermont.

Today, I am pleased to announce that – less than three months after we launched our investigation – three of these major corporations have made a commitment to cap the cost of all of their brand name inhalers. Within a short period of time, the vast majority of Americans with asthma and COPD will pay no more than $35 at the pharmacy counter for the inhalers they purchase.

On the Thursday before last, I listened to President Biden deliver his annual State of the Union address in Washington. Two days later, at the State House in Montpelier, I got to hear a different kind of State of the Union: from 13 young Vermonters from all across our state.

It is that time of year again. As Congress prepares to work on the Fiscal Year 2025 Appropriations Bill in Washington, we are kicking off our Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) application process here in Vermont.

A lot has happened in the last year – in Vermont, in our country, and throughout the world. I would like to take this opportunity, therefore, to check back with older Vermonters and see what’s on your mind. What are the main issues that concern you? What would you like to see the federal government doing?

Vermont’s own Elle Purrier St. Pierre’s had a spectacular race this past weekend, where she won gold for Team USA at the 2024 World Indoor Championships in Glasgow, Scotland. She ran the women’s 3,000 meter in 8 minutes, 20.87 seconds – breaking the American record and the championship record, less than a month after she set the U.S. women’s record for the indoor mile.