Bernie Buzz

To my mind, it’s extremely important that we not forget the long-standing values that have shaped Vermont and made this state special to us: honesty, hard work, respect for the land, love of community, and providing a helping hand when needed.

One year ago, on July 10, 2023, Vermont was struck by devastating floods – the worst natural disaster since 1927. Then, on July 10, 2024, exactly one year later, floods hit our state again. And then, after a torrential downpour this week, floods once again caused significant damage to St. Johnsbury, Lyndonville, Island Pond, and other towns.

A huge congratulations to Burlington’s own Ilona Maher and the entire USA women’s rugby team for taking home the bronze medal yesterday at the 2024 Summer Olympics! Not only did their match against Australia have people on the edge of their seats until the very last second, but their victory is the first time in history that the U.S. women’s rugby sevens team has medaled at the Olympics.

On July 10, exactly one year after the worst Vermont flooding in nearly a century, a number of Vermont communities were, once again, hit by floods. Some of the hardest hit towns were Barre, Barton, Hardwick, Johnson, Lyndon, Middlesex, Moretown, Plainfield, Richmond, Sheffield, St. Johnsbury, Waterbury, Peacham, and Barnet.

It is hard to believe that one year has passed since last summer’s devastating floods – the worst natural disaster Vermont has faced since 1927. That painful memory was made even worse this week as a number of our communities were hit once again with dangerous floodwaters.

Getting sick in America should not mean going bankrupt, losing your home, or your life savings. Not in the richest country in the world. Not anywhere. That is why I have introduced legislation to eliminate medical debt for millions of people in Vermont and across the country. And that is why, on Thursday, I will be holding a hearing on this crisis.