It’s hard to believe it’s already November, with the first snow upon us and the holidays coming soon! Although this time of year can be exciting, it can also be stressful, especially now with so much uncertainty about food security and the cost of health insurance due to the federal government shutdown and the horrible deal to temporarily re-open the government without a commitment to restore healthcare subsidies. These decisions of the Trump Administration and Republican Congress have been devastating for many Vermonters. Below are some resources that may be helpful as you navigate these difficult times, including information about food assistance, health insurance, and drought resources for farmers.
3SquaresVT Food Assistance
Many Vermonters have been left without enough food to feed their families because of the Trump Administration’s mean-spirited refusal to provide Americans with SNAP food benefits, known here as 3SquaresVT, during the federal government shutdown. Fortunately, Vermont has approved funding for benefits for the first two weeks of November and is poised to approve more funding to cover the rest of the month if the uncertainty continues. So if you rely on SNAP benefits, you should continue receiving your payments. If you need information or assistance, below are links to some resources. In addition, many local churches and community organizations have food shelves, community dinners, or free pantries. If you want to help, consider making a donation or volunteering at a local food assistance program.
* Vermont Food Help – status of 3SquareVT & apply for benefits
* Hunger Free Vermont – status of 3SquaresVT food benefits, including information in multiple languages
* Vermont Legal Aid – assistance appealing 3SquaresVT benefits decisions
* HOPE Food Shelf – supplemental food assistance
* Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity – supplemental food assistance
* Vermont Food Bank – updates 3SquaresVT & find food assistance
Health Insurance
We are in the midst of open enrollment for health insurance coverage for next year. I know that many Vermonters have been shocked by the cost of health insurance plans due to rising health care costs and the decision by the Republican Congress to eliminate federal health insurance subsidies. For Vermont Health Connect plans, there are steps you can take to reduce costs and find health care that will work for you. Below are links to some resources that may be helpful.
* Vermont Health Connect – find information & sign up for health insurance plans
* Vermont Legal Aid – what to know & what to do about health insurance changes
* Plan Comparison Tool – online tool to compare health insurance plans
* AgeWell – assistance with Medicare options
* Medicare Advantage Information – information on the limited options
Drought Recovery for Farmers
With rain and even snow over the past few weeks, hopefully this year’s drought is coming to an end; however, farmers are still recovering. If your farm was impacted and you need funds to help recover, consider applying for a Disaster Recovery Loan from the VT Economic Development Authority (VEDA). We established this fund last spring and set aside specific funding for farmers. While I will continue to advocate for the passage of my bill, S.60, which would provide grant funding for farmers to recover from natural disasters, the VEDA funding is available now. In addition, fill out this Agriculture Drought Impact Survey so the Agency of Agriculture has data on how the drought impacted farmers in Vermont.
I was devastated to learn about the death of Middlebury College student, Lia Smith, a transgender student who died by suicide last month. Two years ago when I was teaching at Middlebury College, another transgender student, who was a member of my class, died a tragic death. These and other student deaths have impacted the entire student body, as discussed in this op-ed in the Middlebury Campus student newspaper. Especially now, with regular attacks on transgender youth from the Trump Administration, colleges and universities, including Middlebury College, must step up to more actively support and defend transgender students and other vulnerable students so that they can live and learn without fear, harassment, and discrimination.
Finally, I end with a bit of good news — Vermont 5th graders, including one from the Addison District, are running to be Vermont’s Kid Governor, with wonderful campaigns to improve health care, homelessness, school lunches, mental health, and more. Check out these videos of their campaigns and stay tuned to see who students elect! Many thanks to Vermont Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas for sponsoring this opportunity for students.
That’s all for now – email me if you need to be in touch. Thanks for reading and take care.
Ruth for Vermont 