Bernie Buzz

With everything that young people are facing, here in Vermont and across the country, I was especially glad to meet with an organization that is showing up for young Vermonters. Founded more than 20 years ago, MENTOR Vermont helps to support and expand mentoring opportunities across the state.

There is no better place to be than at home in Vermont during the summer time. Next week, communities across our state will be hosting 4th of July parades and celebrations. I encourage all of you to join me in getting out into your communities, saying hello to your neighbors, and taking part in the festivities.

With another record-breaking performance last night, Vermont’s own Elle St. Pierre has qualified for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. Elle outran all the competition and set a new record for the U.S. Track and Field Olympic Trials, running the 5,000-meter in an impressive 14:40.34.

Tragically, more and more young people are dealing with loneliness, depression, anxiety, anorexia, suicidal ideation, substance abuse, and more. While this has been a crisis for a number of years, it has only been made worse by the pandemic and the widespread use of social media. As your Senator and as chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, I am doing my best to address this crisis. And I am glad to say that I am not alone in this effort.

You might have heard: This year the Vermont State Parks system is celebrating its 100-year anniversary. That’s a century of helping to conserve our state’s natural heritage, bolster our local economies, promote physical and mental health, and ensure Vermont communities and future generations can connect with the great outdoors.

As the school year comes to a close, I want to take a moment to say this to our Vermont teachers, educators, and school staff members: Thank you.