Democracy Dispatch

The MENA Caucus (w/ Sen. Nader Hashim, Rep. Golrang ”Rey” Garofano, and Rep. Mary-Katherine Abdel-Ghany Stone)

Senator Nader Hashim (D-Windham), Representative Golrang “Rey” Garofano (D-Essex), and Representative Mary-Katherine Abdel-Ghany Stone (D-Burlington) comprise the MENA Caucus. MENA is an acronym referring to the group of countries situated in the Middle East and in North Africa. The three share the stories of their journeys to Vermont, campaigning, their experiences with assimilation, as well as being visible leaders for other Iranians and Egyptians living in Vermont.
Representative Dara Torre (D-Moretown) shares the latest from her committee, including the vote on Affordable Heat Act and work on the housing equity bill.

Being Green While Making Green (w/ State Treasurer Mike Pieciak)

Mike Pieciak was elected as our 31st State Treasurer last November after completing his “Road to Victory” - taking part in the 251(+1) Club, visiting every town and city in the state - ending in Victory, VT, and with a resounding victory on election night. The Brattleboro-native, who previously served for six years as the commissioner of the Vermont Department of Financial Regulation, talks about the honor of serving in a statewide capacity of public service, his role as a top elected LGBTQ+ official, and how his background in law helps shape his work as Treasurer. We discuss his ‘slow and thoughtful’ approach to divestment from fossil fuels in state funds and the impact his role has on climate-related decisions at the state-level. 
With crossover in the rearview, things have settled down a little bit in the state house. Now it’s just a countdown to the end of the session to see what will make it past the finish line with bills voted out of the Senate now in their respective House committees and vice versa. Last week we saw S.25, a bill that would regulate cosmetics, personal care products, textiles, and athletic turf from contacting PFAS, passed the Senate by a unanimous vote. Hear more about the action in our Session Shakedown segment, and then hear our conversation with Representative Laura Sibilia (I-Dover), fresh from hearing a week’s worth of testimony on S.5, the Affordable Heat Act.

A Conversation with Lieutenant Governor David Zuckerman

On this week’s Democracy Dispatch podcast, we get the chance to speak with Lieutenant Governor David Zuckerman, who is currently serving as our state’s 84th lieutenant governor, returning for a third term after one biennium break following a run for Governor. Zuckerman is a Progressive/Democrat who was the only third-party candidate to be elected in a statewide race this past Election Day nationwide. He served in both the Vermont House and Senate until being elected as lieutenant governor. Zuckerman discusses his day-to-day duties, his political career path, and the challenges and opportunities of being a member of the Progressive Party. With nearly a quarter century of experience in Montpelier, he also reflects on incremental change, the pace of lawmaking, and what may be next for him.
With the House and Senate enduring very long days in their respective chambers on top of their committee work, we decided to give our Senators and Representatives the week off from our in-depth investigative interviews, and instead, Lauren and Justin give a rundown on the many votes we witnessed last week – as well as what we expect to see voted on this week. With two House votes and four Senate votes on our priority policies, now is a great time to check out our environmental scorecard to see how your elected officials are voting. 

Protecting and Expanding Democracy (w/ Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas)

Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas speaks with Justin a few months into her transition to the role after an incredible 18-year legislative career representing Bradford in the Vermont House. During her tenure she was the lead sponsor of the Global Warming Solutions Act and most recently co-chair of the Climate Solutions Caucus. Copeland Hanzas reflects on her past climate work and why action is so crucial. She shares more about the role of Secretary of State, what the office has done in recent years to expand and protect democracy, and the goals she has for her tenure, including the advancement of ranked choice voting in Vermont.
For our Deep Dive segment, Lauren catches up with Representative Gabrielle Stebbins (D-Burlington) to get the latest on work in her committee, House Environment and Energy, including updates on the updated Bottle Bill and testimony on Affordable Heat Act.
Last week the House passed H.126, known as the 30x30 land and water conservation bill. Many more votes are expected in the Senate and House this week, which Lauren and Justin recap in our Session Shakedown segment of the podcast. 
 

The Environmental Role of the AG’s Office (w/ Attorney General Charity Clark)

Attorney General Charity Clark is our state’s 28th AG, and the first woman to ever be elected to the position. In a candid conversation with Justin, she talks about her upbringing in Southern Vermont, how the intimacy of Vermont's politics allowed her access to role models where she could see herself reflected, her passion for Vermont's climate and environment, and the role of the AG in shaping that conversation.
Lauren talks with Senator Christopher Bray (D-Addison) on the Deep Dive segment for updates on the Energy Efficiency Modernization Act, the housing equity bill, and the Affordable Heat Act.
Lauren and Justin discuss crossover week with updates on what made it across the line and what did not in the Session Shakedown segment.

2023 Halftime Report (w/ Lauren Hierl)

Move over, Rihanna. We've got our own Halftime Show!
With the legislature on break for Town Meeting Day, it seemed like the opportune time to sit down with Lauren Hierl, executive director, Vermont Conservation Voters, to discuss the policy priorities outlined in the 2023 Environmental Common Agenda and provide a progress report on each. 
We update you on the latest surrounding the Affordable Heat Act, the Renewable Energy Standard, transportation affordability, environmental justice funding, smart growth housing, the 30x30 land conservation initiative, rivers, wetlands, and riparian area protections, PFAS, the updated bottle bill, and ranked choice voting.

Banning PFAS and Toxic ”Forever” Chemicals (w/ Rep. Dane Whitman)

Only in his second term, Rep. Dane Whitman (D-Bennington) has already become a leader in policy banning harmful PFAS and toxic "forever" chemicals from several items, earning him VCV's Rising Star Award in 2022. In this episode, he shares why PFAS are of concern to Vermonters and particularly the Bennington region, and outlines the next wave to further ban toxics from more consumer products. Later, he outlines other important priorities his committee is taking up this biennium as we approach crossover.
Our deep dive conversation with VNRC's Kati Gallagheroutlines smart growth housing policies. 

Is Serving in the State House Sustainable? (w. Rep. Saudia LaMont)

Rep. Saudia LaMont (D-Morristown) speaks about her experience as a freshman legislator and how the reality of serving differed from her perception while campaigning. She discusses the weight she carries representing several different identities in a mostly homogenous state, including being the third Black woman to serve Vermont, and what keeps her doing this work for her community. Later, she shares her advice for folks contemplating running for office. Spoiler alert: she thinks you should run! Sen. Rebecca White (D-Windsor) talks with us about two separate bills in two separate committees she serves on - the Affordable Heat Act and ranked choice voting. She outlines the importance of both policies for Vermonters, shares insights on some of the testimony her committees have heard, and the next steps for the bills.

Vermont’s Love/Hate Relationship with Act 250 (w/ Rep. Amy Sheldon)

Rep. Amy Sheldon (D-Middlebury) has been active in several House committees where Act 250 is in the spotlight. In 2017, she was appointed as chair of the Commission on Act 250. In this episode, she breaks down the complicated relationship Vermonters have - both appreciation and opposition of Act 250, what changes need to be made, and what the future of the law looks like. 
Rep. Kristi Morris (D-Springfield) outlines the proposed expansion of Vermont's Bottle Bill. Plus: updates on Affordable Heat Act, Transportation Affordability Act, and more.

Roaring Twenties: Three Young Lawmakers’ Reflections (w/ Sen. Becca White, Rep. Jay Hooper, and Rep. Lucy Boyden)

Sen. Becca White (D-Windsor), Rep. Jay Hooper (D-Randolph), and Rep. Lucy Boyden (D-Cambridge) discuss their experiences as legislators in the 20's. The three reflect on ageism both on the campaign trail and in the state house, the difficulties of serving as a young person, as well as why their voices matter.
Rep. Larry Satcowitz (D-Randolph) walks through the 30x30 land conservation bill.
Lauren and Justin give updates on the Affordable Heat Act, Smart Growth Housing, and the Transportation Affordability Act.