Jan 26, 2026 | 2026, Core Issues, Democracy Dispatch, General, Legislative Session, Toxics
Like Senator Martine Larocque Gulick (D-Chittenden-C), a few months ago I had never heard about paraquat. And perhaps you, loyal Democracy Dispatch readers, are also scratching your heads wondering what in the world I am writing about. No, it’s not some exotic fruit...
Jan 23, 2026 | 2026, Core Issues, General, Press Release
After almost a decade at the helm of our state government, Governor Phil Scott’s budget address laid bare the fact that Vermont is, in many ways, worse off than it was ten years ago when he came into office. Instead of offering a proactive vision, innovation, or...
Jan 19, 2026 | 2026, Climate, Core Issues, Democracy, Democracy Dispatch, Elections, General, Legislative Session
For Vermonters who care deeply about the environment and climate, the 2024 election was a setback. And nationally, I think the term ‘setback’ doesn’t do justice to the grim reality. Our national partner, League of Conservation Voters, recently published a...
Jan 14, 2026 | 2026, Core Issues, Press Release
Vermont Conservation Voters (VCV) has released the 2026 Environmental Common Agenda, which lays out this year’s top legislative priorities for the Vermont environmental community. VCV releases the Common Agenda every January when the legislature convenes in...
Jan 12, 2026 | 2026, Climate, Core Issues, Democracy, Democracy Dispatch, Elections, General, Legislative Session
Legislators are asked to do a lot, show up for so many issues and find solutions on behalf of many organizations and causes. For newer legislators, this can be really overwhelming. Where will they focus their time and attention? How do you balance it all and learn...
Jan 7, 2026 | 2026, Climate, Core Issues, Democracy, Democracy Dispatch, Elections, General, Legislative Session
photo: Lauren Hierl (executive director, Vermont Natural Resources), Justin Marsh (political director, Vermont Conservation Voters), and U.S. Representative Becca Balint (D-VT-At Large) in the Vermont State House in February 2023. Photo by Ben Sarle. Happy new year! A...
