Mountain Times - Vol. 49, No. 53 - Dec. 30, 2020 - Jan 2, 2021

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10 • STATE NEWS The Mountain Times • Dec. 30, 2020 - Jan. 5, 2021 Covid-19 made a bad situation worse for many Vermonters It also revealed the crucial role of government, not just in crises, new report shows The recession created by the Covid-19 pandemic, beginning in February 2020, ended the longest economic recovery on record. The highest-income Vermonters came out of that recovery better off. But no one else did. Those at the bottom had less income in 2019 than in 2007 before the start of the Great Recession. Real median household income—the middle of the scale—ended 2019 where it was in 2007. And the state’s poverty rate showed no improvement. So when Covid-19 suddenly put nearly 100,000 Vermonters out of work, many were already in economically poor shape. Nearly $5 billion in federal assistance to Vermonters this year definitely helped Vermonters weather the pandemic, so far. But more is needed, now and in the future. The state needs to invest in the public good—child care, education, housing, and other essentials—to secure the long-term economic well-being of Vermonters. This story, reflecting the challenges of Vermont’s top-heavy economy and the exacerbating effects of the pandemic, is laid out in State of Working Vermont 2020, released Dec. 28 by Public Assets Institute in Montpelier. Vermont’s economy expanded, but too many Vermonters haven’t seen the benefits of this growth. Wages increased, but more for high-wage workers than for those earning less. Child poverty hit its lowest point in 16 years, but remained at nearly 10 percent. Inequality grew: Half of all 2019 income in the state went to the top 20 percent of Vermonters. “Policy makers deserve a lot of credit for their handling of the pandemic,” said Paul Cillo, founder and president of Public Assets, “but we need to think beyond this crisis. After decades of policies that disproportionately harm people of color and those on the lower rungs of the economic ladder, the state needs to shift its focus not just to people’s basic needs but also to racial and social equity.” The report includes a graphic breakdown of 2020 federal pandemic aid and how Vermont is using it, as well as stories in Vermonters’ own words about their lives during the pandemic. “What we kept hearing in these stories was a feeling of insecurity—about jobs, food and housing, the care of children and elders, and about the future,” Cillo said. Yet some who received relief from the government also recognized what a little help from the state can do: take the edge off the anxiety and pressure of living on a low wage, open up time to think and heal, and offer opportunities for a better life. “Vermonters are looking for opportunity and a reason to hope,” said Cillo. “They deserve nothing less from our policy makers.” Public Assets produces the State of Working Vermont annually in conjunction with the Economic Policy Institute in Washington, D.C. The report shows how working Vermonters and their families were faring economically at the end of 2019—the latest year for which most data are available—and how conditions have changed, for better or worse, in recent years. Its analyses are based on data released in 2020 by the U.S. Census, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and other state and federal agencies. This year’s report also uses available data and stories from 2020 to document this extraordinary year of Vermonters’ lives during a deadly pandemic. State of Working Vermont 2020 can be viewed or downloaded at publicassets.org. Dept. of Public Safety invites feedback on statewide draft use-of-force policy The Vermont Dept.of Public Safety is continuing to accept public and stakeholder feedback on Vermont’s initiative to modernize policing across Vermont. The latest document available for public review is a draft Statewide Policy on Police Use of Force. The ongoing opportunity for comment and feedback is part of Governor Phil Scott’s Public Safety Reform Initiative, created through Executive Order 03-20, which directed the commissioner of public safety to “actively engage with communities, particularly those communities that have been historically marginalized or harmed by policing, as we develop and deploy best policing practices.” This fall, the Dept. of Public Safety shared multiple draft proposals for public consideration and feedback, including policies related to body-worn cameras, citizen oversight, hiring and promotion, and internal affairs. All of these policies, along with the newly posted draft Statewide Policy on Police Use of Force, are available for review at dps.vermont. gov/modernization. Stakeholders and members of the public who wish to provide feedback through that website, or by emailing policing. feedback@vermont.gov. The Dept. of Public Safety intends to update the draft Statewide Policy on Police Use of Force shortly after the new year, so DPS asks the public to submit any feedback prior to Jan. 6, 2021. The U.S. 4th Fleet presents a plaque as part of a gift exchange with Brazil. Submitted U.S.S. Vermont brings sweet treats to Brazil While operating in the U.S. 4th Fleet, USS Vermont (SSN-792) conducted antisubmarine warfare (ASW) exercises with the Brazilian Navy Submarine Tupi (S30) and maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft. U.S. Ambassador to Brazil Todd Chapman hosted President Jair Bolsonaro, accompanied by Vice Adm. Daryl Caudle, Commander, U.S. Submarine Forces and other Brazilian Navy dignitaries for a key leader engagement on USS Vermont, reaffirming the strong history of military collaboration between the United States and Brazil. Now for the rest of the story: As part of the gift exchange between the Brazilian and U.S. Navies, U.S.S. Vermont’s Captain Charles Phillips presented Brazil’s president and other dignitaries with some “Vermont gold,” otherwise known as pure Vermont maple syrup. The commanding officer of the Vermont asked for a recommendation from the Vermont Commissioning Committee (VCC) for an appropriate gift for our ally that would best represent the boat’s namesake state. VCC Gifts Chair Gary Frymire reached out to Morse Farm Maple Sugar Works of Montpelier where several crew members learned about sugaring prior to the July 4 parade in 2019. Burr Morse had glass maple leaf syrup decanters available that were reviewed and approved by Captain Phillips, and they were prepared with both Morse Farm and VCC logos, along with a “Gift from the VERMONT (SSN 792) Commissioning Committee” message. The syrup decanters travelled over 5,000 miles before being part of the gift exchange between the U.S and Brazilian dignitaries at Brazil’s newest submarine base, the Itaguai, in Rio de Janeiro, a “Vermont” unique and sweet touch to international relations. Submitted Maple-shaped decanters and a USS Vermont hat bring VT sweetness to South America.
The Mountain Times • Dec. 30, 2020 - Jan. 5, 2021 • 11 Vermont is seeing a surge in COVID-19 cases. Vermonters must act now to slow the spread. • Do not get together or socialize with anyone you don’t live with. • Avoid non-essential travel, even in Vermont. • Anyone returning or traveling to Vermont must quarantine. Thank you for doing your part to keep our businesses and schools open, and Vermonters working. HealthVermont.gov/StaySafe
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Mountain Times - Vol. 49, No. 53 - Dec. 30, 2020 - Jan 2, 2021

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