Vermont High School Students: Senator Sanders wants to hear from You!

The Vermont high school State of the Union essay contest is now in its tenth year! I put this contest together to create an opportunity for Vermont high school students to be actively engaged in our democratic process and think about solutions to the major problems facing our country. Over the past nine years, more than 4,000 students from across Vermont participated, writing essays about critically important issues like climate change, access to mental health care, and the rising cost of college. I cannot wait to see what our students write about this year. The deadline to submit an essay is January 8, 2020. 

Learn more about the essay contest here. 

Read the full press release here. 

Read the essays of the 2019 finalists here. 

Join Us for our Senior Holiday Dinners 

Far too many of our older citizens are struggling. From the high cost of prescription drugs and basic needs, to social isolation and loneliness, seniors face many challenges. At a time of massive inequality, it is absolutely unconscionable that some in Washington shower the top 1% of wealthy Americans with tax breaks and giveaways, while cutting programs that so many seniors rely on. With 10,000 Americans turning 65 each day, we should be expanding — not cutting — programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security. That's why I'm fighting in Washington to increase funding for the Older Americans Act, as well as Community Health Centers. I've also introduced legislation to bring down the cost of prescription drugs and expand Social Security. 

Read my full 2019 Seniors Update here. 

Additionally, my office is once again organizing six senior holiday dinners throughout Vermont in December. The meals are an opportunity for seniors to come together, enjoy a delicious holiday meal, and hear music from a local student choir. The meals will be held in Barre, Bennington, Brattleboro, Burlington, Rutland and St. Johnsbury.

For more details about the senior holiday dinners, click here. 

This Vermont Couple Knows We Must Bring Down Outrageous Drug Prices 

The American people pay, by far, the highest prices in the world for the prescription medications they need. That includes tens of thousands of Vermonters. It is unacceptable that Tom and Sue Carlson are forced to spend their precious time and energy worrying about these outrageous costs when they should be able to focus on his health and their time together. The president's empty promises are not enough — we must act now to allow families like the Carlsons to safely import the lifesaving medications they need. 

Video link.

Fuel Assistance for Vermonters 

As the weather gets colder and heating costs rise, some Vermonters will have a hard time keeping warm this winter. If you or someone you know is struggling to pay to heat their homes, help may be available. Honestly, it is unconscionable that in the wealthiest country on earth anyone, let alone seniors and families with young children, is forced to choose between keeping their homes warm or putting food on the table. That's why I am fighting in Washington to increase funding for the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), rather than cut it like the president and his allies in Congress have proposed.

Learn more about the resources available through our flyer, or by watching our video.