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 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 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...
Oct 31, 2025 | 2025, Core Issues, Democracy Dispatch, General, Legislative Session
Being Halloween, you might think I’d be writing about the scary reality our state faces with thousands of Vermonters eyeing the end of SNAP (food stamps) benefits, healthcare, and heating assistance thanks to the Trump administration and his party’s congressional...
Jun 12, 2025 | 2025, Core Issues, Democracy Dispatch, General, Legislative Session
The 2025 legislative session has concluded, and thus, so has this season of the Democracy Dispatch. Joining me on the podcast is our executive director, Dan Fingas. We discuss the outcomes of the 2025 legislative session in Vermont, focusing on climate, environmental,...
