Suzi Wizowaty

One of our core values as Vermonters--as Americans--is that we look after the most vulnerable in our communities. This has a corollary in government: one of government's key responsibilities is to ensure that the poor, the sick, and the old are adequately cared for by the rest of us.

These values don't depend upon our comfort or prosperity. We don't turn away from our neighbors when times get a little tough. We open our doors. We share what we have. (more…)

In two days, Barack Obama will become President. Part of his recovery package, we expect, will include a focus on health care. There has been much talk about the likelihood of Vermont's serving as a national pilot for health care reform--but what does that mean, and why us, when Massachusetts, for example, might seem to be further along the road toward universal health care?


What distinguishes Vermont's health care reform efforts is that we haven't focused only on expanding coverage. Instead we've taken a thorough, comprehensive approach to improving health (as opposed to health care, which we seek when we're sick). Our reform efforts are (more…)

The work of the Vermont House began on Wednesday with the swearing-in of all the Representatives and House leaders. While I usually feel skeptical and even mildly apprehensive about government-issue ritual, I have to admit that taking the oath of office gave me a shiver of ... awe. I vowed, among other things, to cause no harm (more…)