Bernie Buzz

Last week, I had an opportunity to do what I love doing: Travel around the state and talk with Vermonters who are on the front lines of some of the major challenges we face. These Vermonters, who are almost always modest and unassuming, work every day to make life a little bit better for their communities and state, and all of us should be grateful for their efforts.

The truth is that in Washington, for YEARS, there has been a lot of talk from politicians about the high cost of prescription drugs. YUP, A LOT of talk. And yet when it comes to actually lowering the cost of prescription drugs, what have I seen over those years? No real action, no real progress! Well, today I went to the White House because President Biden and I finally had some good news to share on lowering the cost of prescription drugs in this country.

On a recent Saturday evening, something truly remarkable happened on a stage up in Johnson, Vermont. More than 180 Vermont students of all ages and backgrounds joined me for a choral concert and town meeting on the importance of arts education in our schools and our communities.

Well, I am happy to say that our “Youth Chess Day” is back again this year and I hope all of you will come out and join me for a game! This second-annual “Youth Chess Day” will be held on Saturday, April 20, 2024 from 11 AM to 4 PM at Vermont State University in Randolph. I encourage ALL young Vermonters – whether you’re a serious player or just starting out – to sign up and take part. Students with all levels of experience are welcome.

Too often, the needs of our first responders get ignored or swept under the rug. Too often, their stories and experiences on the job go unheard. To my mind, that has got to change. And that’s why the Bernie Buzz, in the coming months, will feature some stories on the vitally important work done by first responders in Vermont.

Today, I am pleased to announce that – less than three months after we launched our investigation – three of these major corporations have made a commitment to cap the cost of all of their brand name inhalers. Within a short period of time, the vast majority of Americans with asthma and COPD will pay no more than $35 at the pharmacy counter for the inhalers they purchase.