Vermont Democratic Party

I hope you had a safe and happy new year!  As we begin this march toward Election Day 2012, I’ll continue to communicate with you about ways to get involved with the Vermont Democratic Party and help us advocate for candidates who keep Vermont moving forward!  In the next few weeks, the Vermont Democratic Party will be hosting open Grassroots Trainings in a town near you: VDP staff will present information on communications, finance and field operations during a campaign.  Check the event page on our website for information on the closest training to you!

The Obama Victory Fund has created fact sheets detailing the President’s accomplishments across a variety of issues since he took office in 2009.  You can find those here on our website.

As I have mentioned before, our Congressional delegation and Governor Shumlin have been advocating against the closure of US Postal locations here in Vermont.  Earlier this week, Senators Leahy and Sanders, Congressman Welch, and the governor spoke at the USPS meeting at the White River Junction American Legion alongside hundreds of Vermonters who attended to oppose the closure of a processing facility there.  

 

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State Street News
Governor Shumlin gave his State of the State address on Thursday.  The governor spoke about Vermont’s recovery from Irene and the agenda for the year ahead.  You can read his speech here. 

Rolling Stone Magazine named Governor Shumlin one of “12 Leaders Who Get Things Done,”, highlighting both the governor’s work in response to Irene and the passage of Green Mountain Care.

With a new year comes a new legislative session.  To follow the work of the legislature, like Speaker Shap Smith’s Facebook page. 

The state legislature began the second term of the biennium on Tuesday.  It was a busy week! The House swore in its newest member, Jean O’Sullivan from Burlington, who replaced Mark Larson after his appointment to head the Department of Vermont Health Access.

The House got right to work, quickly passing legislation to provide tax relief to individuals and communities who suffered property damage or loss due to spring flooding and Irene.  Speaking about the legislation, House Speaker Shap Smith said, “In the storms of the past year, significant damage was done to private properties across the state.  I am glad we were able to expedite this bill to provide help to those hit hard by natural disaster.” 

Vermont Secretary of State Jim Condos reminded businesses to file their annual reports and asked companies to submit those reports online whenever possible.  With 40,000 respondents in Vermont, the reduction in paper waste can make a significant impact on the environment!  If your business needs to file its annual report, you can do so here.

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Vermont’s Congressional Delegation
The delegation announced last week that nearly $135 million in federal highway funds would be coming to Vermont to help repair roads and bridges damaged by the spring storms or by Irene.  

Senator Leahy spoke on Friday at the open house and ribbon cutting for the Vermont Food Venture Center.  The nonprofit facility hosts an incubator kitchen and food processing facility that will be a resource to Vermont’s agricultural community. 

The New York Times published a letter to the eitor from Senator Sanders entitled, “Free Trade Vs. Jobs.”  The letter commented on a New York Times article which highlighted the dramatic decline in the wages paid to US manufacturing workers as a result of free trade agreements. “The time is now to rethink our disastrous trade policies”, Sanders said.  

The Burlington Free Press recently profiled Congressman Welch’s work across the aisle to get things done for Vermonters. During an era of extreme partisanship, Welch is bringing Vermont values to Washington and showing that it is still possible to make progress. 

Thank you for your continued support of Vermont Democrats!

-Jake