Democracy Dispatch
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Justin Marsh is joined every Monday with folks from their team to update you about everything that happened in the Vermont State House the week before, and what to expect throughout the upcoming week. Listen to exclusive interviews with legislators and environmental allies, and go deeper on policy initiatives affecting our air, water, open space, democracy, and quality of life.
New podcast episodes launch every Monday during the Vermont Legislative Session.
Listen to the Democracy Dispatch podcast on the following services:
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Episodes
Addressing Legislative Pay
Representative Emma Mulvaney-Stanak (P/D-Burlington) speaks about proposed legislation that would incrementally increase the pay and benefits that legislators receive over the next two bienniums.
All About the Affordable Heat Act
We examine the Affordable Heat Act, S.5, with co-chair of the Vermont Legislature’s Climate Solutions Caucus, Representative Gabrielle Stebbins (D-Burlington). We break down the major elements of the bill, what it will mean for Vermonters, and the timeline for implementation of the program it creates.
The MENA Caucus
Senator Nader Hashim (D-Windham), Representative Golrang “Rey” Garofano (D-Essex), and Representative Mary-Katherine Abdel-Ghany Stone (D-Burlington) share the stories of their journeys to Vermont, campaigning, their experiences with assimilation, as well as being visible leaders for other Iranians and Egyptians living in Vermont.
Being Green While Making Green
State Treasurer Mike Pieciak talks about the honor of serving in a statewide office, his role as a top elected LGBTQ+ official, and how his background in law helps shape his work as Treasurer. We discuss his ‘slow and thoughtful’ approach to divestment from fossil fuels in state funds, and the impact his role has on climate-related decisions at the state level.
A Conversation with Lieutenant Governor David Zuckerman
Lieutenant Governor David Zuckerman discusses his day-to-day duties, his political career path, and the challenges and opportunities of being a member of the Progressive Party. He also reflects on incremental change, the pace of lawmaking, and what may be next for him.
Protecting and Expanding Democracy
Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas shares more about the role of Secretary of State, what the office has done in recent years to expand and protect democracy, and the goals she has for her tenure, including the advancement of ranked choice voting in Vermont.