The Bernie Buzz

I’ve been lucky enough to have visited farmers markets in nearly every part of our state. In my experience, each one is unique. But there is one thing that has stood out to me almost every time: Each one holds a strong sense of community.

With a new school year upon us, I wanted to take a moment to look back and celebrate Vermont’s 2023 spelling bee champion who represented our state this past summer in the 95th annual Scripps National Spelling Bee – for the second year in a row.

In a very divided Congress, where it is extremely difficult to get anything done, I wanted to give you some good news about progress being made on health care reform. Will this legislation solve all of the crises in our health care system? Absolutely not. But it will take us a major step forward in increasing access and lowering costs. I intend to do all that I can to see that it is passed.

It is hard to believe that it has now been two months since this summer’s terrible flooding devastated communities across our state. As we continue the difficult and too often heartbreaking work of recovery and rebuilding, I wanted to share some good news with you, as well as some important updates.

To my mind, and I think most Vermonters would agree, art is more than just entertainment. It is more than just a painting here, a performance there. Great art, in whatever form, can truly help us understand who we are as human beings, as a community, and as a society. Art can be a gateway to the soul and is absolutely essential as we work to create and sustain a more just and humane society.

Earlier this summer, the Bernie Buzz was able to go to UVM’s Virtue Field and hear from the founders and players about the team, their story, and their effort to combat climate change and advance environmental justice. I hope you will take a moment to watch the video above to learn more. Congratulations to Vermont Green FC for their great work on and off the field.