For many, the past two months have been consumed by the devastating impacts of the war between Israel and Hamas. Last week, the heart-wrenching reverberations hit close to home with the shooting of three Palestinian college students visiting family in Burlington. I hope you will join me in condemning this act of hate. This tragedy has underscored the underlying racism and xenophobia in our largely white state and a growing gun violence crisis in communities everywhere. As an op-ed in the New York Times asked, “What is Happening in Vermont?” including quotes from Middlebury selectboard member, Farhad Khan. The three young men who were shot are recovering, and while one has been released from the hospital, another sustained serious physical injuries that will have life-long implications. If you would like to help, make a contribution to a fund to help their families cover their medical and recovery expenses.
The temporary cease-fire in Gaza was a welcome pause that enabled the release of some hostages and prisoners, and delivery of crucial humanitarian aid for Palestinian civilians, but we need a permanent cease-fire and a lasting peace plan in the Middle East that centers human rights and justice. I am grateful that U.S. Rep. Becca Balint and U.S. Senator Peter Welch have called for such a cease-fire. There must be an end to killing and terrorizing innocent civilians, including thousands of children, and the safe release of all hostages. World leaders must unite for peace and justice in the Middle East. Here in Vermont, we must put an end to the bigotry and gun violence that are devastating so many of our communities. Thank you.
A Few Community Updates and Resources
Vergennes Planning & Environmental Linkages (PEL) Study. “The Vergennes PEL Study will evaluate transportation alternatives that reduce the impact of large truck traffic on VT Route 22A and downtown Vergennes, while seeking ways to enhance the quality of life and economic vitality for residents in the City and surrounding towns.” There are a series of meetings starting on Monday to gather public feedback on various alternatives under consideration. If you live in the Vergennes area, please try to attend, learn more, and make your voice heard. See the schedule and sign up for email updates on the Vergennes PEL website.
Municipal Technical Assistance. Many smaller towns in Vermont have a difficult time accessing state & federal resources because they don’t have professional staff to research and apply assistance. Last session, the Legislature created the Municipal Technical Assistance program to assist small towns with access COVID recovery funds. The program was recently expanded to help even more towns access flood recovery resources. Sixteen towns in the Addison District have been pre-approved for technical assistance, based on their Vermont Community Index score which measures a town’s need for investment and capacity for pursuing assistance. If you are a town official, staffer, or volunteer in any of these 16 towns, please take advantage of this opportunity.
Municipal Climate Recovery Fund. The VT Treasurer’s Office and VT Bond Bank are making $15 million available to municipalities to save on financing for flood recovery projects. The Bond Bank is hosting a webinar for municipalities to learn more about the program on Tuesday, December 12. If you are a town official, staffer, or volunteer in a town that was impacted by floods, attend the webinar to see if this fund could help your town.
Fifth National Climate Assessment. This is the federal government’s “preeminent report on climate change impacts, risks, and responses.” Section 5 of the report describes “how climate action can create a more resilient and just nation.” After a summer of catastrophic flooding, we absolutely need to do more in Vermont. Climate resilience will be a big topic during the upcoming legislative session. You can also do more to make your home more energy efficient. If you need assistance, soon you’ll be able to reach out to the Climate Economy Action Center of Addison County which is standing up a Navigator Project to help anyone in Addison County make their home more energy efficient. Stay tuned!
I’ll end with some good news. The long awaited expansion to the Town Hall Theater in Middlebury will break ground next week. Watch this cool video of what the project will look like when it’s finished next year. Finally, I was thrilled to read the cover story in Seven Days last week, “Taking Refuge: Transgender Newcomers Find Safety, Services and Community in Vermont.” Our work last session to pass legislation protecting gender affirming health care services was crucial in this effort. We have made progress toward a more just and equitable state. And, there’s more work to do.
Next month I’ll write about the start of a new legislative session. Until then, may your holiday season be peaceful and bright.
Thank you for reading and take care.
Ruth for Vermont 