Bernie Buzz

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.

As we continue to learn more about this sub-variant, I want to make sure you have some facts and resources currently available to help keep you and your loved ones safe. We’ve compiled some helpful information below for you, and I also encourage you to regularly check the websites of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Vermont Department of Health for updates on guidelines and best practices.

As work begins on the 2023 Appropriations Bill, it is once again time for my office to hear from Vermonters and local organizations about local projects they would like to see funded. I wish I could tell you that all of the requests will be approved. They won’t. We will receive hundreds of submissions and only a small fraction will end up being accepted. But it is worth trying.

You may not know it but Richmond, Vermont is the home of one of the most successful ski families in the country – the Cochrans. This is a family that has, for generations, not only produced an unbelievable number of champion skiers, but has also helped teach thousands of Vermont kids the joy of skiing at their Cochran’s Ski Area.

Earlier this month, I held a Vermont Telephone Town Meeting and I have to say, the response was extraordinary. During the call, I answered many questions from across the state on a range of issues, but I could only respond to a fraction of the questions asked. What I’d like to do now is answer a few more questions that were asked on topics of wide concern. Let me thank all those who joined us for the town meeting, and those of you who asked questions.