The Bernie Buzz

The federal stimulus package goes a long way in providing relief to the working families of this country who are struggling during this unprecedented economic crisis. Let me be clear: this is not the bill I would have written. But, I’m proud to have worked with my colleagues to prioritize workers and small businesses over billionaires and massive corporations. This new law provides a critical investment in our health care system, with a focus on providers and patients. It gives direct aid to states, many of which have already implemented strong measures to help their residents through this difficult time. And, importantly, it provides direct aid to individuals who are suffering. There is a lot more to be done and I’m not finished fighting for you.

First and foremost, as we face a national emergency, I want all Vermonters to know that my office is here to help. Please do not hesitate to be in touch if we can be of assistance on our website or by phone: 802-862-0697 or 1-800-339-9834. Please know that our call volume may be higher than normal and you may have to leave a message during business hours. My staff will be checking messages regularly and will call you back as soon as possible.

To my mind, one of the most important jobs of being a U.S. Senator is ensuring Vermonters are treated with respect and receive the assistance they need when dealing with federal agencies. If you are having trouble resolving a problem with a federal agency or program, my Senate office may be able to help. My staff will be at SEVCA’s Housing Resource Center on March 4th, 12:30-1:30, to meet with constituents.

Twice a year my office organizes trips for Vermont students to visit the Edward Kennedy Institute in Boston. To date, nearly 500 students have participated in their innovative programming on the legislative process, acting as senators for the day in a full-scale replica of the U.S. Senate chamber. “Vermont Day” is a wonderful opportunity for high school students to learn that democracy is not a spectator sport.

Today, along with Sen. Jeff Merkley and Sen. Ed Markey, I introduced the Prevent Future American Sickness act to require the cleanup of a class of toxin, so-called “forever chemicals”— known by their acronym PFAS — from America’s drinking water. New laboratory testing found that PFAS are prevalent in the tap water of 43 American cities. Environmental Working Group scientists now believe PFAS compounds are likely detectable in all major water supplies in the United States and that previous studies dramatically underestimated these toxins’ pervasiveness.