The Bernie Buzz

I must confess that I love diners. I have not eaten at every diner in Vermont, but I’ve been to most. I like diners because they are unpretentious, because the food is good, the prices are right and the staff are friendly. They are also often at the center of community activity. We had the opportunity to visit the Blue Benn and talk with John, workers, and customers to learn more about their story, their traditions, and – importantly – their menu!

I want to take this opportunity to inform you about some excellent benefits available to veterans through the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Recently, we went behind the scenes at Moose Mountain Maple in Underhill to learn more about their sugaring operation. Today, the farm is owned and operated by William Butler, the sixth generation in the Butler family to run the business. I hope you enjoy the video about their farm, their story, and their passion for Vermont sugaring – and meet the seventh generation of Butler sugarmakers.

At a time when many workers feel like cogs in a machine, we should be proud that Vermont is helping to lead the country in employee ownership, worker co-ops, and other alternatives to corporate ownership.

I am writing to you today to inform you about another important student loan forgiveness provision that was recently announced: Right now, it is easier than ever to qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program – a program created in 2007 to cancel student debt for individuals who work in the public and non-profit sector for 10 years or more. This temporary change means that Vermonters who are a non-profit employee, a public service worker, or a military service member may qualify for this loan relief.

The future of our state and country rests with our young people. That is why I have, for the last 12 years, conducted an essay contest for Vermont high school students on the “State of the Union.” I want the young citizens of Vermont to be thinking about the major issues facing our country, what the solutions might be and what each of them would say if they were the President of the United States giving a State of the Union address to the nation.