March 8, 2012

Reclaiming Our Democracy

At least 60 towns urged Congress to pass a constitutional amendment to restore limits on corporate campaign spending

On Town Meeting Day in Vermont, at least 60 towns urged Congress to pass a constitutional amendment to restore limits on corporate campaign spending.  In the Senate, Bernie has proposed the Saving American Democracy Amendment to undo the Supreme Court ruling in a case called Citizens United.  “The people of Vermont have seen the huge campaign contributions being made by billionaires and large corporations because of Citizens United, and they understand how horrendous this is for the future of American democracy," Bernie said. "Vermont is helping to lead the nation on this important issue.”

Watch the Senate speech »
Watch the MSNBC interview »»
Read about Bernie’s amendment and sign the petition»

Rampant oil speculation has artificially pushed up gasoline prices to nearly $4 a gallon.

Stop Oil Speculators —  Recession-weary Vermonters are getting squeezed at the pump by skyrocketing gas prices. Rampant oil speculation has artificially pushed up gasoline prices to nearly $4 a gallon.  Bernie “is fighting back,” ABC News reported. A letter signed by more than 70 members of Congress – 25 senators and 47 members of the House – told federal regulators to enforce provisions of the Wall Street reform law and curb speculation in crude oil markets.

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A Crisis in Dental Care

Town Meeting: A Crisis in Dental Care – Bernie chaired a Senate hearing last week on the dental crisis in America. This Saturday he will bring the issue home to Vermont at a town meeting in Montpelier.  More than 1,200 people already have shared their experiences in finding affordable, accessible dental care.  “We have to think about rent and electricity before we think about dental care. My wisdom teeth have been a problem for over a decade now. I take ibuprofen and just keep on going,” Heather Getty of East Fairfield, Vt., told Bernie.

Audio Feature: Four Vermonters tell their story »
Share your story with Bernie »
Report: Dental Crisis in America »
Saturday: Town meeting on dental care »

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Why do you think gas prices are rising?

VERMONT FACT

A gallon of regular unleaded sold for $3.81 a gallon in Vermont on Wednesday. Forbes magazine said excessive oil speculation adds 56 cents to the price of each gallon of gas, or about $9 for a 16-gallon fill-up.

In Other News

FROM VERMONT TO THE SMITHSONIAN

A Middlebury toy company will soon sell its products on the shelves of a Smithsonian gift shop, thanks to Bernie’s efforts to press the national museum to sell more U.S.-made goods.

DECLINING WAGES

Young people entering the job market are taking a hit on wages. The Economic Policy Institute found that male college graduates' wages dropped 11 percent over the past decade. For female college graduates, the average wage is down 7.6 percent.

VOTE: HELP LAKE CHAMPLAIN

Cast your vote to help Lake Champlain International land a $25,000 grant to help educate people about the watershed and award mini-grants for water pollution prevention features to help keep Lake Champlain clean.

Upcoming Events

DENTAL FORUM

Bernie is holding a town meeting on dental care this Saturday– focusing on the difficulty in accessing and paying for care.

3/10 –Montpelier: 10:30 a.m., Montpelier High School

TOWN MEETINGS

As the U.S. faces unprecedented challenges with the economy, climate change, health care, and a $15 trillion national debt, how do we best move forward? Share your thoughts with Bernie at an upcoming town meeting.

3/18: Bristol - 10:30 a.m.
3/25: Randolph- 10:30 a.m.

THOM HARTMANN PROGRAM

Listen Fridays at 1 p.m. on WDEV (FM 96.1; AM 550) "Brunch with Bernie