Happy New Year. Here's some of what’s on my mind for 2023.

Dear Fellow Vermonter,

As we hit the ground running in 2023, Jane and I want to take this opportunity to wish you and yours a very healthy and happy New Year.

Needless to say, there are a lot of challenges facing Vermont and the nation.

Too many of our families are struggling on inadequate incomes.

Too many Americans cannot afford the high cost of health care and prescription drugs.

Too many Americans cannot afford housing, child care, and the higher education their children need.

Too many older workers have inadequate savings as they approach retirement, and too many seniors are finding it hard to get by on Social Security.

As this new session of Congress begins, I am proud to be assuming the chairmanship of the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions. This committee has broad jurisdiction over many of the important issues facing our country, and I intend to use my gavel to do everything I can to protect the needs of working families, the elderly, the children, the sick, and the poor. The people who are too often left behind.

As you and I know, real change never comes from the top on down. It always comes from the bottom on up, when people at the grassroots level demand it and fight for it. For me to do my job well, therefore, I need to hear from you. If you have any ideas as to what kind of legislation or actions our government should be taking, please do not hesitate to contact my office.

Once again, best wishes for a great new year.

Sincerely,