The Bernie Buzz

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.

On the Thursday before last, I listened to President Biden deliver his annual State of the Union address in Washington. Two days later, at the State House in Montpelier, I got to hear a different kind of State of the Union: from 13 young Vermonters from all across our state.

It is that time of year again. As Congress prepares to work on the Fiscal Year 2025 Appropriations Bill in Washington, we are kicking off our Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) application process here in Vermont.