Press Releases

SPEAKER SYMINGTON CALLS FOR DEBATES IN ALL COUNTIES

(Burlington) Vermont House Speaker and gubernatorial candidate Gaye Symington called on Governor Jim Douglas today to agree to a series of debates this Fall in each of Vermont’s fourteen counties.

“As Independence Day approaches and we’re reminded of the tremendous blessing of democracy, there is no better way to celebrate than to commit ourselves to a full, reasonable discussion of the issues facing Vermonters,” said Symington, the Democratic nominee for Governor. “I believe that every Vermonter should have a chance to attend a debate and see the candidates in person,” she added.

In order to best serve the goal of providing voters with meaningful information, Symington is proposing a departure from the traditional debate format that imposes short time limits and prevents interaction between candidates.

“I think we’ve all seen that this approach results in a “parallel press conference” more than it does a true debate. That is why I’m proposing an innovative format that allows candidates to decide how long they wish to speak on a given topic, and permits participants to question each other,” said Symington.

This alternate format, known as “cumulative time debate” has been used successfully by the League of Women Voters in several states, Each candidate will be given an equal block of time to use as they see fit over the course of the debate. Neutral parties will provide time updates to each candidate and the moderator/panel so that everyone knows how much time is left. Candidates will be allowed to ask each other questions at any time. The role of the moderator is limited to introducing topics/questions, alerting candidates to large time imbalances, and intervening to restore order if candidates are interrupting each other. (please see next page for a full description of the format). Questions can come from the moderator/panel or from the audience or both.

“The debate format we’re accustomed to seeing was largely designed by incumbent candidates to prevent a real exchange of views. In order to provide Vermonters with the substantive discussion they need to make an informed choice, we need to leave old approach behind,” Symington added.

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Symington Calls for Debates - new format
June 30, 2008

CUMULATIVE TIME DEBATE FORMAT*

This format is designed to enable candidates to freely elaborate on their approaches to a variety of issues, unimpeded by the strict time constraints of a more traditional debate format. League chapters have found this format promotes interchange between candidates, allows them to hold each other to account, and keeps the voters' interest while enabling them to see the difference between the candidates.

Each candidate, when speaking, is timed by a neutral party and each cumulative time is kept. Periodically, generally whenever one candidate stops speaking and another begins, all the timekeepers simultaneously hold up their signs indicating the amount of time used by each candidate. The moderator and the candidates see how their time usage compares, and the candidates can self-moderate to balance any significant discrepancies in time usage. In addition, from time to time the moderator informs candidates if sizable discrepancies appear to be developing so that candidates who are behind may avail themselves of the opportunity to use more time. This format encourages a candidate to respond as briefly as desired on a topic deemed less important or on which there is no disagreement and to use the allotted time to discuss more fully subjects considered more important.

Candidates are encouraged to rebut and sur-rebut, responding to their differences as they perceive them, understanding that the "clock is running." In this format candidates have the opportunity to hold each other to account rather than having this role assumed by the moderator and/or panelists. The moderator simply reminds the candidates of the clock and moves to another question when the topic appears exhausted. Candidates are not allowed to "save up" time during the questioning and use it to make a speech at the end.
Each round of discussion is initiated by the moderator/one of the members of the panel. The same question is addressed to each candidate before direct debate between/among candidates is invited. Candidates take turns being first to respond to the question.
Each candidate has two minutes for a closing statement. The order of speaking is determined by lot prior to the debate. The winner chooses his/her position in the order of the closing statements. The same order is used to begin the questioning.

* (as described by the League of Women Voters of Connecticut)

New York Democratic Governor David Paterson and a bipartisan commission tasked with finding ways to lower New York's high property taxes are advancing a tax-cap almost identical to Governor Douglas' plan.

Like Governor Douglas, Governor Paterson recognizes that, "This trend [rising property taxes] is disrupting our quality of life because it is straining family budgets, separating grandchildren from grandparents, and discouraging the entrepreneurship that creates innovation and jobs." (http://email.politicker.com/owa/redir.aspx?C=dab5417443ea4ddb92ef65b22a907e14&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.state.ny.us%2fgovernor%2fpress%2fpress_0606083.html)

STATEMENT FROM SPEAKER SYMINGTON ON “STATE OF THE LAKE” REPORT

Today’s report is strike three for the Douglas administration on Lake clean-up this year. The independent audit requested by the Legislature, the EPA letter uncovered earlier this month and now this report from the Basin program all confirm that the Douglas strategy is failing. The Basin report was developed in part by staff at the Agency of Natural Resources, so the Governor cannot take a “shoot the messenger” approach as he did reacting to the EPA’s conclusions.

After 5 years of Clean and Clear, Jim Douglas has still not established specific benchmarks to evaluate if the $85 million being spent is getting results, even though the audit and a bill I insisted we pass this year both call for it to be done.

As Governor, I am not going to spend $85 million on a program without knowing what we’re getting for the money. You don’t have to have an MBA and a career in fiscal management, as I do, to realize these systems should be in place. It’s plain common sense, and the Governor needs to explain to Vermonters why he has failed to get it done.

une 25, 2008 Press Statement:

Our current governor is taking credit for work done by citizens and others and staking out positions that serve short-term political goals but are not in keeping with his record. A lifelong politician, our Governor recently portrayed himself as the voice of change. As if that was not enough of an image make over, he now wants VT to see him as the initiator of a grassroots movement.

The most recent example is found in “Vermont Harvest” a publication of the Vermont Department of Agriculture, produced and distributed at taxpayer expense we presume, where the Secretary of Agriculture states that the “Buy Local movement” was “initiated” by Governor Douglas in 2003.

This is ridiculous. The idea that Jim Douglas started the buy local movement ranks right up there with the idea that Al Gore invented the Internet.

It is simply not true. For many years I served on the board of the Northeast Organic Farmers Association (NOFA) helping to organize committees, conferences, workshops, farmers markets and other activities that helped build the Buy Local movement. This was 20 and 30 years ago, and believe me Jim Douglas was not there. This was the work of farmers and citizens, not politicians.

In fact, in 2003 (as he supposedly started the Buy Local “movement,”) Douglas signed onto a Bush administration free trade policy agreeing not to give preference to local businesses when making state buying decisions. His administration opposes legislation that would require state institutions to buy local and when it comes to state buying he defines buying local as buying from local distributors who may or my not be delivering local products. And while he runs radio ads telling Vermonters “buy local its just that simple,” a visit to state institutions will find hamburgers from the Midwest and milk from Massachusetts.

Recently, the Governor also claimed credit for expanding the use of debit and food stamp cards at farmers markets. He said “at my direction” the state would be expanding the program from 3 to 15 markets. The reality is this effort has been organized for years by Vermont NOFA and largely funded with federal money.

He also has been taken to task for claiming credit for increased weatherization funding when his budget had no increase in funding for the program at all. It was funded through efforts of advocates and legislators.

We want citizens to be active and have a “can do” attitude. A leader should work with and empower citizens so they take action and make change happen. Our current Governor does the opposite. Taking credit for the hard work of citizens undermines citizen action, energy and achievement.

After 6 years in office the Governor should stick to talking about his own accomplishments - broken bridges, lost jobs, rising health care costs and more. He should not be using taxpayer dollars to claim credit for the hard work of average citizens.

We deserve better.

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Pollina Statement on Firings at IBM
 
"The firings at IBM are especially painful because IBM workers are not organized and because my opponent has not helped Vermont prepare for shifts in the global and local economy.
 
An organized workforce would have been better prepared to protect their jobs and negotiate with management. Rumors of the job cuts circulated among workers for weeks, but management denied them until today. Organized workers could at least respond from a position of strength.
 
As usual, the current governor is reacting to crisis rather than preparing for and avoiding problems. Whether its jobs, energy or infrastructure problems this governor does not act, he reacts.
 
While the Governor will send in a rapid response team after the fact, he should have acted before the crisis. He should have helped IBM workers organize and he should now hold IBM accountable for the way in which the firings were handled. I would like to know when the Governor and State Government were first informed of the layoffs.
 
It is clear that Jim does not equal jobs. Private sector job growth has been flat, most of the fastest growing jobs in Vermont are low paying jobs, and the administration has not been willing to put people to work fixing infrastructure.  I have proposed a jobs program to put Vermonters to work fixing bridges and roads, building affordable homes and retrofitting buildings to make them more energy efficient. While it would not replace the IBM jobs it would create good jobs for Vermonters at a time when they are sorely needed.
 
The mass firings at IBM remind us that Vermont workers are being squeezed between a weakening economy and global corporations that care more about their own bottom line than about Vermont.
 
No amount of taxpayer subsidies will guarantee IBM jobs in Vermont. Like other global corporations they react to the global economy. While we appreciate IBM jobs, we live in a changing economy and we need to change along with it. With the American economy growing weaker and cheap labor available in China, companies like IBM will continue to throw Americans out of work to protect their profits.
 
As governor I will invest in local Vermont businesses that aren't going to get up and leave when the economy gets tough."
# # #
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE    Contact: Michael Carrese

June 12, 2008       (802) 651-7141 or 760-8832

STATEMENT FROM SPEAKER SYMINGTON ON IBM JOB CUTS:

IBM’s announcement is the third time this week we’ve learned of real and potential job losses in Vermont.  Unemployment is at a 14-year high, we’ve lost 2,800 manufacturing jobs since Jim Douglas took office, and we have the slowest rate of job growth in New England. It’s clear that he has failed to live up to his promises on job creation.

Despite the facts, Jim Douglas says we’re “heading in the right direction” and he spoke last week of Vermont’s “growing prosperity.” It shows a lack of awareness and sensitivity to say things are going well when Vermonters are losing their jobs, and those still employed are very worried about the weak economy.  After six years of big promises and poor results, it’s time for a change in leadership. 

Jim Douglas for Governor
June 24, 2008
http://www.JimDouglas.org

Ten Ways Speaker Symington Sends
Shivers Through Vermont’s Business Community

1. Icy Roads Ahead: Symington’s Gas Tax 

With $4 per gallon for gasoline and nearly $5 per gallon for diesel, businesses are struggling to fill their tanks. If Symington had her way, folks would be paying more at the pump today.

In 2006 Symington stated that adding 4 cents to the gasoline tax and 6 cents to the diesel tax "makes sense." (Burlington Free Press, 3/17/06) She remained steadfast in her support of the gas tax increase despite understanding, "We recognize that the gas tax is politically difficult when the price of gas is so high…" (Burlington Free Press, 4/29/06)

In 2007 Symington again considered a gasoline tax increase. "Symington and other Democrats say increasing the gas tax is just one of the options that should be considered." (WCAX, 8/14/07)

2. Not Too Cold for Flip-Flips: Symington’s Property Tax Reform Reversal

As Vermonters struggle with greater anxiety about the national economy, Symington wanted to backtrack on common sense reform to curb out-of-control property taxes. After initially supporting a breakthrough two-vote law for school budgets, Symington caved to special influence and flip-flopped the very next session – before the new law had even been tested! 

First, the Flip: When it was initially passed, "House Speaker Gaye Symington, D-Jericho, praised the new law for accomplishing cost containment while maintaining equal access to funding for children throughout the state. She said, too, that the law respects voters’ role in making budget decisions by providing them with information to help them make choices rather than using penalties to force certain outcomes." (Burlington Free Press, Education law praised, 6/12/07). 

Then, the Flop: After special interest pressure, Symington questions Vermonters’ intelligence by suggesting that they are incapable of understanding the law: "‘Confusion is not cost containment. It is fine if Vermonters choose to vote down a school budget based on good information. But if they turn down a school budget due to confusion, Vermont schoolchildren lose out,’ said Speaker of the House Gaye Symington, D-Jericho, in a statement." (Rutland Herald, 2/29/08).

3. Out in the cold: Symington Opposed Common Sense Housing Bill

Symington’s track record of out-of-the-mainstream views is clearly shown through her opposition to the Governor’s New Neighborhood initiative. Local business leaders pleaded with the Symington: "‘It’s getting harder to attract employees and harder to keep them,’ Central Vermont Chamber of Commerce Executive Director George Malek said. ‘…There needs to be a greater incentive to build housing and preferably, to build it near the existing commercial centers.’" Malek continues saying that Symington never even gave the proposal a real chance: "‘The bill in the House –Speaker Gaye Symington – she just shot up one side of it and down the other, which is largely a reflection of what happened in the Natural Resources committee.’" (Times Argus, 4/17/07).

4. Business Leaders Not Getting that Warm Fuzzy Feeling from Democrat Leadership

Over the last two years, Symington and Senate President Pro Tem Peter Shumlin have made going after Vermont Yankee a full-time job. This past session, as Symington and Shumlin were hatching yet another scheme that could have raised electric rates on families and employers, the business community stepped in to respectfully voice their concerns. The press conference got heated when Sen. Shumlin interrupted and called a highly respected, high ranking official from IBM a liar. The exchange went like this: 

"[IBM Government Affairs Manager, John] O'Kane: ‘Money has time value, and you're changing the time.’

Shumlin: ‘We are not asking for the money. You're lying about that. We are not asking for the money. The bill says...’ 

O'Kane: ‘Peter, that is. You just called me a liar.’

Shumlin: ‘I said you're not telling the truth about that, John.’ 

O'Kane: ‘You called me a liar. That is unacceptable. You're the president of the Senate, and you're calling me, a representative of the largest employer...’" (Burlington Free Press, VT BUZZ – 4/22/08)

Talk about throwing cold water in someone’s face! Governor Douglas was quick to issue a statement to IBM apologizing for Sen. Shumlin’s inappropriate behavior. Speaker Symington remained silent on the matter.

5. Paycheck Shrinkage: Payroll & Income Taxes

In 2005, Symington wanted to take a chunk out of Vermonters’ paychecks to pay for her health care plan. She was open to raising taxes to pay for a single payer government run health care plan. "Her goal is for the Health Care Committee to spend the summer and fall exploring the taxes that would be needed to pay for its system, which the panel presumes would be payroll or income taxes or a combination of them, and to figure out who would be covered and what that coverage would be." (Brattleboro Reformer, 4/4/05)

Later that year, the Legislature under Gaye Symington’s leadership proposed raising taxes for a government run health care plan. "The Legislature proposed a 3 percent payroll tax paid by companies that didn't offer coverage to their employees and a 1 percent income tax on those receiving the proposed primary care benefit." (Brattleboro Reformer, 8/19/05)

6. Warning: Frost Heave Ahead: Symington Opposes Circ Highway and Bennington Bypass 

Despite calls from business leaders in Bennington and Chittenden County, Symington remains opposed to important construction projects that will ease traffic congestion and spur economic growth in those areas.

"The speaker remains opposed to large projects like the Circumferential Highway in Chittenden County and the Bennington Bypass…" (Eagle Times, 9/14/07)

7. Frozen Solid on Sales Tax Holiday

As Vermonters struggle with greater anxiety about the national economy, Symington resisted measures to give Vermonters and local merchants a holiday from the state sales tax. 

Vermont merchant David Perry said, "‘We've had dozens of people in already, looking at appliances and telling us they're waiting for that weekend,’ he said. Bradford is just across the Connecticut River from sales-tax-free New Hampshire, and Perry said Vermont's sales tax had been troublesome to him for a long time." 

Symington doesn’t see it that way. "‘I don't think it is the best use of taxpayer resources,’ she said… ‘I don't think it benefits the Vermonters who are struggling to make ends meet.’" (Burlington Free Press, 5/2/08)

8. Businesses are Snowed In: Symington Opposes Permit Reform

Symington was once again at odds with business leaders and employers with her out-of-the-mainstream opposition to bipartisan and much needed permit reform measures. 

"Several business groups, including the Vermont Ski Areas Association, the Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce and Greater Burlington Industrial Corp., backed the Douglas plan Thursday, describing it as a way to expedite what has become at times a complicated and lengthy process that has hurt economic development.

‘What we’ve wanted all along is a more timely, predictable permitting process. This will do both,’ said Sheri Larson, director of government relations for the Lake Champlain Chamber and GBIC." (Rutland Herald, 2/7/03)

Symington Voted against permit reform twice. When, in 2003, H.175 passed the house by a vote 78 to 53 on April 11, 2003, Symington voted against the bill. In 2004, Symington once again voted against permit reform when the house voted overwhelmingly to support the final bill, which passed the house 114-24. 

9. Winter Storm Warning in Effect for Trucks and Family Vehicles

Even when members of the business community explain that the gas guzzler tax would harm Vermont businesses, Symington sticks to her government-knows-best philosophy suggesting that Vermonters must be taxed into making good choices for their businesses and their families.

"We [NFIB] opposed the gas guzzler charges because of the negative impact it would have had on our members who rely heavily on trucks and vans to operate their businesses." (NFIB/Vermont State House News, 4/20/007)

"Despite some vehement opposition to pending legislation in the House that would assess a $150 tariff on new vehicles that get poor gas mileage, Symington said improving the environment isn't at odds with individuals' financial well-being.

‘We're trying to help people move away from vehicles that are incredibly inefficient … and provide incentives and nudges to move Vermonters to make good choices…’" (Rutland Herald, 4/11/07)

10. Symington’s Ski Patrol: Husband Lacy to the Rescue

When business leaders got involved in 2006 legislative races, they supported both Democrats and Republicans much like other interest groups. Symington’s husband, Chuck Lacy was angered by their involvement and decided to take action.

"Chuck Lacy, a prominent Vermont businessman who is also the husband of the Democratic speaker of the Vermont House, is waging a campaign against businesses who are waging a campaign against his wife's party.

…But Lacy's impromptu telephone blitz to many of the state's car dealers and other businesses has rankled members of the coalition, who say his tactics are bordering on intimidation." (Rutland Herald,10/5/06)

Symington’s Support for Increased Gas and Diesel Tax and a Surcharge on Home Heating Oil Would Hurt Vermont Families

June 9, 2008 - Attorney General William Sorrell announced today that Green Mountain Nursing Home, a licensed nursing facility located in Colchester, Vermont, has reached a civil settlement with the State. The nursing home has admitted to violating the State’s laws on the reporting of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of vulnerable adults, and for failing to report an untimely death to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. The untimely death of the resident occurred after a series of assaults by another resident. As part of the settlement, the nursing home has agreed to be monitored at its own expense, by an out-of-state independent quality monitor/consultant for a period of at least one year.

Green Mountain Nursing Home has also agreed to make a donation in the amount of $1000, in lieu of fines for the reporting law violations, to the Chittenden County End of Life Care Program and to pay $4,000 in restitution to the Vermont Medicaid Program for lapses in standards. The nursing home has also agreed to conduct, plan, and attend a series of trainings, at its own expense, on issues relating to resident-to-resident violence, identifying and reporting abuse, neglect, and exploitation, and “Do Not Resuscitate Orders.” Senior staff and the owner of the nursing home must also attend training on communicating with family members of vulnerable adults.

Secretary of State Deb Markowitz will conduct a training session in Newport for town clerks and board of civil authority members to prepare them for the upcoming elections on Tuesday, June 10th beginning at 6:00 p.m. at the Goodrich Library.  Secretary of State Markowitz and Elections Director Kathy DeWolfe have scheduled 10 such workshops around the state before the primary in September.

Local school construction aid passes House, Welch amendment allows funding for investment in renewable energy systems
Thursday, June 5, 2008

Congressman Peter Welch
United States House of Representatives

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 5, 2008

CONTACT:

Andrew Savage
202.226.8346 (o)

Local school construction aid passes House, Welch amendment allows funding for investment in renewable energy systems

Authorizes an estimated $15 million for Vermont school modernization

Washington, DC — Rep. Peter Welch (D-VT) voted for legislation last night to renovate and modernize public schools in Vermont and across the country, authorizing over $15 million for modernizations projects for Vermont schools.

The House-passed 21st Century Green High-Performing Public School Facilities Act, H.R. 3021, authorizes $6.4 billion for school renovation and modernization projects for fiscal year 2009.

Welch worked with several northeastern lawmakers to successfully amend the bill to allow funding for investments in renewable energy and heating systems for school buildings. The amendment specifies biomass, wind, solar, and geothermal.

Thirty-five Vermont schools have already converted to woodchip or wood pellet burners.

“Public education and school infrastructure is one of the most important investments we can make,” said Welch. “In the face of our current energy challenges, providing funding for renewable energy and heating systems for our local schools is a win for taxpayers and a win for our environment. Many Vermont schools have successfully saved money and reduced their dependence on fossil fuel by converting to biomass.”

The Vermont Superintendents Association reports that school districts across Vermont are expressing interest in exploring efficiency initiatives and moving away from fossil fuel to biomass.

In the 2006-2007 heating season, at a time when average fuel oil price were just $2.27 per gallon, Vermont school districts saved approximately 59 percent of fuel costs by using wood chip systems, according to a recent study. In addition, approximately one million gallons of oil were saved through wood chip systems conversions.

“School districts across Vermont are eager to pursue renewable energy sources. Providing this federal funding for energy-related improvements will go a long way to supporting worthwhile initiatives in Vermont schools across the state,” said Norm Etkind of the Vermont Superintendents Association School Energy Management Program.

Welch worked with Reps. Carol Shea-Porter, Michael Arcuri, and Paul Hodes on the amendment.

In the recently-passed Farm Bill, Welch sponsored an amendment that creates a Community Wood Energy Program. This program will provide matching funds for state and local governments to convert public buildings, such as schools, libraries, and town halls to wood biomass heating or power systems.

* * *

For Immediate Release
June 5, 2008

Washington, DC — Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean today issued the following statement, welcoming the Obama team as we transition to the general election campaign:

Symington for Governor
PO Box 1584
Burlington, VT 05402
www.symingtonforgovernor.com

For Immediate Release
June 4, 2008

Contact:
Jill Krowinski
(802) 363-3907

After Six Years Lake Champlain Clean-Up is Stuck in Neutral

Burlington (VT) — After six years in charge, the Douglas administration has not delivered results in cleaning up Lake Champlain and Vermont is stuck in neutral on a critical issue. This is unacceptable and it must change. As Governor I will ensure that taxpayer’s funds are used responsibly to make real progress towards a cleaner lake and will get lake clean up back in gear.

The EPA has criticized Vermont for the lack of progress in cleaning up the lake;

• the lack of measurable benchmarks;
• the lack of clear information to the public;
• the inaccurate estimates of the cost of clean-up efforts;
• and the lack of coordination and accountability in using tax payer dollars.

Jim Douglas’ response to this was to attack the EPA and continue to ignore its findings. What he should be doing, and what I will do as Governor, is partner with the EPA to make sure we are getting results. The price for Jim Douglas’ continuing to bicker with the EPA will be higher costs for water treatment. Vermonters shouldn’t have to pay more just because Gov. Douglas doesn’t want to accept the EPA’s help and guidance.

We cannot afford to stay stuck in neutral. There is a lot at stake in getting the lake clean-up right. Lake Champlain is a tourist destination, an economic resource and a significant environmental treasure. Vermont has spent at least $65 million in federal and state funds through several different agencies and capital funds to clean up the lake, the Douglas administration has failed to set-up an effective way of measuring progress so we don’t know if that money is being spent wisely.

As Governor, I will make sure we are setting benchmarks for progress and insist that we meet them.

As Governor, I will partner with the EPA and our local communities to get results on lake clean-up.

As Governor, I will make sure that the Agency has clear targets and benchmarks so we know whether we are going forward or backward as we spend taxpayer dollars to clean up the lake.

As Governor, I will insist that the Agency of Natural Resources use the best available technology when analyzing the costs and benefits of alternative approaches for cleaning up the lake.

As Governor, I will insist that the Commissioner of Environmental Conservation comply with the regulations of our federal environmental agency so that Vermonters can review draft permits in a timely and effective way.

The next Governor of Vermont will oversee the quadricentennial celebration of Samuel de Champlain’s exploration of the lake. When that time comes, we will either be living with more of the Douglas administration’s failure to get results, or we can have a new Governor with new ideas and a real commitment to making this lake the shining jewel it should be. Vermonters should vote in November to make sure that their Governor is an effective steward of this treasure and insists on results. As Governor, I will be that steward.

* * *

Montpelier – The Vermont Republican Party is pleased to announce the hiring of Tayt Brooks as Executive Director. Alden Guptill, who has served as the Executive Director for the Vermont Republican Party since March 2007, will be moving on to join the McCain for President campaign as Deputy Regional Campaign Manager for New England.

Vermont Secretary of State Deb Markowitz

Montpelier. Today, Secretary of State Deb Markowitz honored the winners of the 2008 Vermont Secretary of State’s Poster and Essay Contest by treating them to a rare viewing of the original Vermont Constitution.

In addition to being granted an up-close look at this historic document, the contest winners and their classes were Secretary Markowitz’s guests on a tour of the Vermont State House and the Vermont Historical Society. During an award ceremony, the winning students were presented with a certificate and a $100 prize donated to each student's classroom to spend on civics education materials.

WASHINGTON, April 9 – Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) went to the Senate floor today to read from some of the hundreds of email messages he has received from people in Vermont and across America about their struggles coping with rising prices in a shrinking economy.

Madam Secretary, we appreciate you being here.

WASHINGTON (Tuesday, April 8) -- The members of Vermont’s Congressional Delegation – U.S. Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), and U.S. Rep. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) -- Tuesday renewed their support for withdrawing U.S. troops from Iraq and disagreed with Gen. David Petraeus’ call for freezing troop levels in Iraq and for keeping the door open to U.S. involvement in the Iraq conflict for the foreseeable future.