Bernie Buzz

Now, more than ever, it is important to bring people together. And to my mind, there is no better way to do that than through the arts. That is why I hope you will join me, Grace Potter, and young Vermont artists for music and conversations on Saturday, August 5 at Lyman Point Park in White River Junction at 12 P.M. and at Veterans’ Memorial Park in South Burlington at 4:00 P.M.

This is an extremely difficult time. It is heartbreaking to know that thousands of our friends and neighbors have been impacted by last week’s disastrous flooding. We are also seeing terrible damage to our roads, bridges, homes, farms, and small businesses. Senator Welch, Representative Balint, and I want you know what federal resources are available and how to access them. Please join us on Wednesday, July 26 at 7:30 p.m. for a statewide telephone town meeting to provide information on the assistance available to individuals, homeowners, farms, displaced employees, and small businesses.

As we enter week two of this disaster, it goes without saying that this is an extremely difficult and stressful time for thousands of Vermonters. For those of you who have experienced damage to your homes, businesses, or farms, there are some important steps that you can take right now to help provide you with the support you might need. Please read on below for more details about what resources may be available.

I very much appreciate that, today, President Biden signed a Major Disaster Declaration for Vermont. This means that FEMA and other agencies can become fully engaged in assisting Vermont, including the Department of Transportation, the Agriculture Department, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the Small Business Administration. Please read on for more details about what resources may be available to homeowners and individuals.

As we all know, Vermont is now experiencing our worst natural disaster since 1927. Many hundreds of homes and businesses have been damaged by the terrible flooding that we are seeing throughout the state, and there is concern that more rain may bring even further damage. Senator Welch, Representative Balint, and I are working with the Governor’s office to make sure that every possible federal resource comes to Vermont as quickly as possible.

Nobody knows for sure, but the flooding we are now experiencing could be the worst Vermont has seen in a very long time. Please read for resources and stay tuned for more updates.