An alternative to austerity

Are social service cuts necessary? One Vermont, a coalition of advocacy and social service groups in Vermont, argues that proposed state budget cuts will hurt the vulnerable, and can be avoided by closing tax loopholes for the wealthy and lowering tax rates for all. Three advocates make the case against austerity budgets and for a progressive alternative. (April 19, 2017 broadcast)

Stephanie Yu, One Vermont Coordinator, Public Assets Institute

Dan Hoxworth, Executive Director of Capstone Community Action

Ed Paquin, Executive Director, Disability Rights Vermont

Beyond Austerity: An alternative to budget cuts; Marijuana legalization & a new app to engage citizens

Is there an alternative to austerity? As the Vermont legislature considers over $100 million in cuts to close a budget gap, One Vermont, a group of social service advocates and businesses, proposes to balance the budget without budget cuts.

Jack Hoffman, Public Assets Institute

Andrea Cohen, Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility

Karen Lafayette, Vermont Low Income Advocacy Council

Julie Tessler, Vermont Council of Developmental and Mental Health Services

GRASSROOTS ACTIVISM and TECHNOLOGY 

We talk with the founder of New Grassroots, a new web app that aims to connect legislators with concerned citizens, and advocates of marijuana legalization, who are among those trying out the new approach.

Benjamin Brown, chicken farmer, founder and CEO, NewGrassroots

Matt Simon, New England Political Director, Marijuana Policy Project