Photo: Sen. Becca White with chair of Senate Transportation, Sen. Rich Westman (R-Lamoill) (Jan. 11, 2025), photo by Rep. Matt Birong (D-Vergennes)
In my neck of the woods, access to public transportation is going in reverse. Recently, Green Mountain Transit cut routes including the Jeffersonville Commuter to save on operating costs as things tighten up. In the back of my mind were the words of Senator Rich Westman (R-Lamoille), stressing at Town Meeting Day years ago, to do all we can to keep the route, as once opportunities like these are taken away they are extremely challenging to get back. Working on behalf of our town’s conservation commission, we fought to keep the route, advocated successfully for municipal contributions, and surveyed riders and residents alike on what changes could be made to improve the line. Ultimately, it wasn’t enough.
And this bleak outcome is unfortunately being felt throughout the state and is taking up a lot of conversation in the Senate Committee on Transportation, which Senator Westman chairs and my guest on this week’s episode of the Democracy Dispatch Podcast, Senator Becca White (D-Windsor), serves as vice chair. Senator White and I discuss the current challenges of transportation funding and the innovative solutions of microtransit. We also touch base about priorities of the Climate Solutions Caucus, of which she co-chairs alongside Rep. Mollie Burke (D-Brattleboro).
Last week, the House held a vote on H.125, which orders a report for more data to best prepare the state in their transition to cleaner energy. We scored that vote and awarded our Champs and Chumps of the Week accordingly. Hear those details in the podcast and check out our scorecard to see how your representative(s) voted.
As the federal government continues to aggressively dismantle decades of progress on cleaning up our air, water, land, and protecting public health – among many other actions to undermine our democracy and Constitutional rights – we wanted to share an upcoming opportunity to show your concern by joining us at the “Hands Off!” Rally at the State House in Montpelier on April 5th, 12-3pm. There are other rallies being held across the state at the same time in Chester, Hartford, St. Albans, Jericho, Bennington, and Burlington. This is also an opportunity to call out our state leaders, particularly Governor Scott, who are continuously halting our climate progress. Learn more and register here.
Lastly, we are hoping you and/or someone you know, would be willing to participate in a new project being headed up by Helena Zuckerman, our legislative intern this year. She’s hoping to interview individuals from ages 5 to 105 from any and all backgrounds to answer a few questions about their experiences with the environment. The interview material will be used to make a video montage capturing the multi-generational differences in perspective on climate. If you’re interested in helping us out, fill out this form.
As always, thanks for listening,
Justin Marsh, Political Director
Vermont Conservation Voters
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