Vermont Democratic Party

On Sunday, the Burlington Democrats concluded their caucus and selected Miro Weinberger as the Democratic nominee for mayor of Burlington.  We congratulate Miro on his win!  We also praise the thoughtful, issues-oriented campaigns run by State Senator Tim Ashe, City Councilor Bram Kranichfeld, and State Representative Jason Lorber.  Burlington Democrats were fortunate to have such a great slate of candidates to choose from.  The Burlington City Democratic Committee did an excellent job in managing a challenging process.

As I noted last week, we have launched our redesigned website.  I hope you’ve had a chance to check it out

State Street News
Governor Shumlin appeared at Sugarbush Resort on Friday to cut the ribbon on a new cell tower in Warren which will provide expanded and upgraded cell phone and wireless internet service to communities in central Vermont. 

Governor Shumlin and the VSEA have announced that they have reached a tentative agreement on new two-year labor contracts.  Under the agreement, state employees would receive a 2% pay increase in 2012 and 2013.  The temporary 3% wage cut implemented earlier this year will be restored by June 2012. VSEA President John Reese noted that for the first time in decades, bargaining units were able to reach a tentative agreement without having to resort to a mediator or fact-finder. 

During a trip to California last week to meet with his fellow Democratic governors from around the country, Governor Shumlin and Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley toured Facebook headquarters, where they met the social network’s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, to discuss the importance of expanding STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education. 

Vermont’s Congressional Delegation
Senator Leahy hosted his 15th annual Women’s Economic Opportunities Conference on Saturday.  Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, a longtime friend of Senator Leahy, addressed the conference and spoke her upbringing, her path to becoming the first Latino Supreme Court justice, and her experiences with gender and racial bias. 

Senator Leahy, Senator Sanders, and Congressman Welch all voiced opposition to the proposed closure of a US Postal Service processing facility in White River Junction. The closure could result in the loss of as many as 245 jobs. This move is part of a misguided effort by the USPS that would increase delivery times and reduce the overall quality of services. 

Congressman Welch introduced legislation that will ban individuals and companies convicted of bribing foreign officials from contracting with the federal government.  As the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq draw down, Welch wants to ensure that companies contracting with the U.S. government at home or overseas are not receiving taxpayer dollars while flagrantly violating our laws.

Congressman Welch is fighting to increase funding for services that help the homeless in small states like Vermont.  Currently, small states receive minimal funding without cost of living increases, which hinders Vermont’s ability to help our homeless population. 

In other news, Vermont was again named the healthiest state in America by the United Health Foundation.  The group cited our great pre-natal care, low rate of infectious diseases and violent crimes, Vermonters’ love of healthy, locally grown foods, and access to four seasons of outdoor recreation.

-Jake