Vermont Progressive Party
Prog Blog

Bennington Sick Building Returns

The Bennington Banner today reports that state workers handling files from the state building on Veteran's Memorial Drive (the "Bennington Sick Building"), may be ... more




Upcoming Events

Sunday, May 4, 10:00 AM
Chez Claudine, Stowe
Better Vermont Tour with Anthony Pollina

Click here for more information and to view other upcoming events.


Nuclear Power

VT Yankee
Vermont will soon be deciding what to do about our aging nuclear plant. Listen to an exerpt from political leaders on VT Public Radio.


VT Income

VT Income

Over 70% of Vermont households earn less than $50,000




"The Republican and Democratic parties are not the same. The Republicans are an extreme right wing party. The Democrats are a centrist party tilting, perhaps, a little bit to the left but they are not aggressive enough on protecting the interests of working people and the middle class."   
-Senator Bernie Sanders - October 26, 2007



May 7th, 2008
Legislature Wrap Up


The caucus talks about a few legislative victories from 2008:
-Yankee bills
-Ground water in public trust
-Legalization of industrial hemp
-And more


February 29th, 2008
The Mighty Six
Progressives take lead to repeal "Vote Twice"
Progressive Caucus

The small but effective House Progressive Caucus took a leading role in last week's amendment that repealed last year's "Vote Twice" requirement for school budgets. This was the compromise reached by Legislative leadership and the Governor that aimed to control school spending. In reality it's biggest accomplishment was a slap in the face of school boards and local voters with next to no savings. The repeal faces opposition in the Senate and from Gov. Douglas but with enough community input perhaps the repeal momentum will continue.

[Free Press covers amendment]
[Free Press covers passage]


February 12th, 2008
Zuckerman Comes Clean
Rep. David Zuckerman

It's not all serious business under the Golden Dome these days. Today Rep. David Zuckerman shaved his head to support locks-of-love. Taking pledges from lawmakers, lobbyists, and staff, Zuckerman was able to raise over $2,000 for Spectrum Youth & Family Services - Burlington, Youth Services - Brattleboro, Northeast Kingdom Youth Services - St. Johnsbury and 206 Depot - Bennington. The 35" of hair will go to locks-of-love to make wigs for kids who suffer hair loss due to cancer treatments.



January 31st, 2008
Teachers, Administrators, Students in the Statehouse
Unified message - undo vote twice
Woodstock Chorus

Educators, students, school board members and administrators filled the Statehouse cafeteria asking lawmakers to repeal Act 82, Sec. 5 & 6 passed on the last day of the 2007 session. This is the provision that forces towns to vote twice when budget increases exceed CPI + 1%. All of the Progressives voted against this insult to local control. We support H. 741 which would repeal the law.

The Woodstock Union High School chorus (pictured above) performed an original piece that powerfully demonstrated the impact of reduced funding for schools.




January 11th, 2008
Progressives on the Mark Johnson Show
Pollina, Pearson speak about 2008

Anthony PollinaRep. Chris PearsonAnthony Pollina appeared on Mark Johnson recently talking about his campaign for Governor in 2008.  Rep Chris Pearson (P-Burlington) also spoke with Johnson about the 2008 legislative priorities for the Progressive House caucus.  Both interviews are available as podcasts:

Anthony Pollina and Mark Johnson, Part 1 (1/10/08)
Anthony Pollina and Mark Johnson, Part 2 (1/10/08)
Chris Pearson and Mark Johnson (1/11/08)



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Pollina for Governor


May 5th 2008
Progressive News

May 4th 2008
Action on major bills
The Burlington Free Press

Free press recap of the 08 session.

May 2nd 2008
Democrats duck fight with Douglas over tax holiday
Burlington Free Press

House Democrats support Douglas tax holiday they describe as bad policy.

April 26th 2008
House fails to override campaign finance veto by one vote
The Rutland Herald

Botched override attempt fails by single vote.

April 24th 2008
What nuclear renaissance?
The Nation

Refinancing of aging reactors examined, and VY identified as one of the worst offenders.

April 19th 2008
Pollina unveils economic package
The Times Argus

Pollina stimulus package involves infrastructure investment and job creation.

April 15th 2008
Activists link Vt. to sweatshops
The Rutland Herald

State contracts with sweatshop labor; bill sponsored by Rep. Sarah Edwards will address problem.

April 14th 2008
Lawmakers will try to override vetoes
The Rutland Herald

Legislature will attempt to overturn Douglas vetoes on campaign finance reform and IRV.

April 10th 2008
Pollina takes aim at Douglas from local farm
The County Courier

Pollina discusses platform at Franklin County house party

April 3rd 2008
Pollina says he can be a 'can-do' governor
Addison Independent

Pollina discusses campaign themes for his race against Douglas.

March 13th 2008
Pollina Makes it Official
WCAX

200 join Pollina to help kickoff campaign for Governor.

March 12th 2008
Pollina gets ready to formally launch campaign
VPR

Pollina kicks off campaign, reaches out again to Democrats.

March 5th 2008
Moran plant development OK'd
the Burlington Free Press

Burlington voters approve Moran Plant redevelopment plan promoted by Mayor Bob Kiss.

February 29th 2008
Two-vote rule repeal unlikely
The Burlington Free Press

House passes "vote-twice" repeal for school budgets

February 27th 2008
Gubernatorial candidate says gov.'s actions at odds with words
Rutland Herald

Pollina would use funding from capital gains loophole to repair transportation infrastructure.

Paid for by the Vermont Progressive Party, PO Box 281, Montpelier, VT 05601   (802) 229-0800