We just released our first ad. We are so excited to share it with you!
It is time to get Brenda Siegel elected. We need a Governor who is ready to lead!
We need to get this ad everywhere, chip in $25 today to help us do that.⬇️
#vtpoli
1/ I just couldn't tweet after what I saw yesterday. I cried instead. And cried. And cried.
We are moving forward with treating human beings who need us the most in the worst ways.
We had 15 witnesses across the state & this is what we saw...
#vtpoli
#crisisinvt
@mjfone50
@mtgreenee
Do the squad believe conspiracy theories? Did they call for the assassination of the speaker? Did they harrass a survivor if a school shooting?
This is not a political conflict.
@DrugPolicyOrg
Drug prohibition killed my brother & 20 yrs later his son/my nephew. They needed love, support & compassion & were met with criminalization, shame & stigma.
Prohibition created trauma for me, my son, my parents & all my nieces & nephews due to loss/grief we have to live with.
Have to say this. Make the man veto the Statewide Mask Mandate. Don't let him dictate the agenda. Allow advocates & leaders to fight along side you. Show VTer's who he is, that he doesn't want to protect us. Give us a path to placing blame squarely where it is due.
#vtpoli
I have recently been given "advice" to not talk about that I am bi as publicly as I do, because of the dangers of this time. I held it in until I was 43. Being in public as I am is not negotiable.
End Tweet.
#vtpoli
#allofus
2/ Yesterday we saw people who went to the street who were suffering from an aneurysm & collapsed lung, were on oxygen, had hip surgery, were in recovery, had severe mental illness, worked full time, & more.
All whom meet the VT definition of dissability.
#vtpoli
#crisisinvt
Here are some lovely places to vacation where people will welcome you, support you, open their house to you...if you need a vacation from another state.
#vtpoli
I was trying to help from 8am until 930 pm. By the end, I was just trying not to show how much horror and grief I was feeling.
Is this what Vermont wants to be? Our government manufactured humanitarian crisis is well under way.
#vtpoli
#crisisinvt
3/ Yesterday people were exited who were not categorized correctly by DCF under Domestic Violence were sent back to their abusive ex or to the street. ESD is now not honoring the legislative guidance if they try to get categorized correctly through June 30.
#vtpoli
#crisisinvt
.
10/ One more thing, there were no teams of AHS on the ground, anywhere. No one saw these pretend teams they have. No one. In some cases, many, no one was anywhere to help people at all.
#vtpoli
#crisisinvt
5/ I called 211 on behalf of a man who was 72 & about to end up on the street. 1st call, I was yelled at "the homeless program is over today". I said, "not for him". & he hung up on me. 2nd call, I found him the last room DCF reserved & got him a ride there.
#vtpoli
#crisisinvt
4/ ESD supervisor kept refusing to tell me what rule she was following, until she FINALLY told me that they were not using the legislative guidance because the old rules are back. That is not correct or true. Certain categories should still be sheltered.
#vtpoli
#crisisinvt
1/3 It is lazy analysis to say VTers want moderation.
1. VT elected the largest super majority in history. VTers want progress. Loud & clear. I pounded the pavement on issues & THAT worked. We will have progress.
2. VT is notoriously uncomfortable ousting incumbents.
#vtpoli
Our schools are suffering because there is no COVID management or real guidance. We need to do better. Stopping the data did not erase COVID. First step come back to free testing and public data.
#vtpoli
#VT
House Speaker
@JKrowinski
(with majority whip Mike McCarthy) announces Democrats have clinched enough seats in the House to override vetos from Republican Governor
@GovPhilScott
.
#vtpoli
"The work... is about making progress. Fighting to have safer and stronger communities.
All of us need to become brave enough to lose. All of us."
That is the narrative that the press will not say. That no one else was brave enough to lose.
#vtpoli
@vtdems
I am a life long VTer
My dad & mom moved here in their 20's
My grandma, a multi generational VTer.
My grandpa moved here in his 50s.
We are ALL Vermonters. Being born here is not a qualification. That attitude is nativist. Not inclusive, welcoming or kind.
#vtpoli
#allofus
6/ I listened to people being exited in July beg me for help for their June friends who won't make it. I took calls from witnesses across the state about how I could help people who are sick who were being kicked out. "What can I tell them"? The answer, there is nothing.
#vtpoli
8/ Also at that same hotel, the managers knew me, because I had been there. This was the 1st time she saw me, & I was just there to help the individuals, she said, "Ms. Siegel, at this point you are trespassing".... for helping
#vtpoli
#crisisinvt
7/ All hotels were kind & compassionate with one exception that I know about. A manager who banged on people's doors, yelled at them for crying & as they were sitting on the curb with all their stuff, with advocates helping, she yelled at them relentlessly.
#vtpoli
#crisisinvt
Today in our debate I was asked if part of our workforce problem is all of the abortions that people have had. Let me be clear.
Pro choice is not enough right now. That we were asked that question tells us how critical it is to be proactive.
#vtpoli
@vtdems
@RightsVT
#TeamBrenda
So disturbed to see the
@VTGOP
using faces of LGBTQIA & other elected leaders to raise money & calling them "groomers". Dangerous enough to hold office from any marginalized identity. We can not allow this! Hell no!
#vtpoli
@RightsVT
@TaylorSmallVT
"We have responded to this crisis with an unthinkable lack of humanity. If this happens in any other state, Vermonters organize and are outspoken about the injustice. We cry for their children. Who will cry for our children?"
#vtpoli
#crisisinvt
1/ ALERT: Dangerous Temps. If you see someone experiencing homelessness. Stop. Ask them if they have a way to call 211 to get into a motel. If they do not & you can't stay with them, ask them if you can call us to get them motel. Call 802 365 1340
#vtpoli
#housed802
#opsafewinter
Thank you Vermont!
I am overwhelmed with warmth from people all over the state who have championed, supported and fought for change along side me, not just in this race but for the last many years. I truly would not be here without all of you.
#vtpoli
#TeamBrenda
Burlington repetitively says loud and clear that they don't want to criminalize poverty, homelessness and substance use disorder. Seems like it is time to listen.
#vtpoli
#crisisinvt
This was in my inbox....really.
What it is like to run for office if your marginalized. Family escaped Nazi Germany. Great grandfather stood down Stalin. Not going anywhere & I will not back down.
Hate grows just fine here, let's hold it accountable.
#vtpoli
@vtdems
@RightsVT
I can't stop thinking, we have a creemee data base? But I am sitting at home making spreadsheet of where those at highest health risk are sheltered so that we might help them survive, because the state doesn't have THAT critical data organized?
#vtpoli
Civility is getting people housed. Civility is healing the overdose crisis. Civility is bold climate action. Civility is childcare. Civility without action is not civility at all. To make "good trouble" for the purpose of humanity is the ultimate act of true civility.
#vtpoli
Today in between a FEMA meeting, an interview, and hiking some supplies into someone's campsite, I helped people experiencing homelessness who have been trying to get married, but couldn't due to financial barriers, get married. Love won today.
#vtpoli
#crisisinvt
Remember when
@GovPhilScott
said Dems are trying to "cancel Christmas". Family after family is posting that they all or one has COVID & Xmas is canceled. Begs the question, by not taking precautions, like data driven masking, who canceled Christmas?
#vtpoli
#COVID
#COVID19
Today the Governor was asked if people experiencing homelessness are included in the flood response. He said that he did not know and "would have to get back to them". Ummmm.....These are human beings in our state. Not knowing is not acceptable.
#vtpoli
#crisisinvt
I slept 27 nights on State House Steps, it got as cold as 19 degrees. Over 2000 people were going to be left on the Street by our Governor. It is a lot to claim being an "affordable housing" champion.... Maybe we have different definitions of affordable?
@RightsVT
#vtpoli
@vtdems
Yesterday we had a lovely time at
@SenatorLeahy
's event with the League Of Cities and Towns.
So much brought to our communities by Senator Leahy. And Marcelle Leahy brought little girl me and grown up me the courage to lead. Thank you.
#vtpoli
@vtdems
#TeamBrenda
. This is the ugly part of the race. Don't let them throw you off balance. Stay on course, push forward, keep a message of hope, compassion & strength. They're coming for me because our message is resonating. Stay rooted in why we are here. That is how we win.
#vtpoli
I love all you Vermonters, but as a mama...the best thing that happened to me yesterday was walking into my son's apartment after their debate watch party and them all clapping.
#vtpoli
I am supposed to be at Curtis Hoff Dinner, but I am awaiting the budget vote. This budget will unshelter nearly 3000 households, including 500 to 600 children across the state or 80% of the people experiencing homelessness. All of us will have to own this.
#vtpoli
Vermont does too. Right here in Vermont children are sleeping in tents, outside without gear, in cars. Homelessness is a policy choice. We discard people with the least & throw up our hands as if our policies didn't cause it. Let's do better.
#vtpoli
#crisisinvt
#endhomelessness
Homeless children are sleeping in cars.
The United States has the means and the ability to get them all safely, warmly, and stably housed before winter, but won’t. Why? Because some Rs in Congress think doing so is a utopian dream:
You & I both know there are no king pins in a homeless encampment
@MiroBTV
. That was not a major drug bust. It was an easy poverty target. You knew someone was struggling with SUD & Meth? Why didn't someone try to help? You know better. Do better.
#vtpoli
#campin4housing
1/2
I am very worried those experiencing unsheltered homelessness, many down at the river because that is a place to hide out of the way in communities not friendly to camping. We must include people experiencing homelessness in the rescue and recovery response.
#vtpoli
#crisisinvt
We have a Gov that is so out of touch he is not aware that people can be & are evicted in the winter.
“I don't see that it's going to be an issue this winter, especially with our eviction laws. I don’t believe you can evict during the winter,” he said
#vtpoli
@vtdems
Our state needs to do just this. We are in a shameful time in our behavior towards those experiencing homelessness.
#vtpoli
#crisisinvt
Photo credit.NH Mutual Aid Relief Fund.
"We need a Governor prepared to lead proactively in a moment when liberties are being eroded & that’s who Brenda is. She will prioritize our values, bring diverse & underrepresented voices to the table, & work to create a more equitable future."
#vtpoli
@YoBenCohen
@RightsVT
"Brenda brings valuable and critical leadership to public service which helps strengthen our communities and state. I support Brenda Siegel and hope you will too this November” -Peter Welch
TY U.S. Rep. Welch! Humbled to earn your trust.
#vtpoli
#TeamBrenda
@WelchForVT
@vtdems
3/3 I will live and die on breaking those barriers. But, I will be honest, it comes at great personal cost...someone had to do this. It was impossible, but would have been straight wrong not to try. And we made real change along the way. And we will make more.
#vtpoli
1/19
Deep Breath as I write this:
#whyididntreport
• Because I was running for Governor.
• Because I was afraid it would make me look weak.
• Because I was already being marginalized & dismissed by press & I didn't want to make that the narrative.
#vtpoli
#CancelKavanaugh
I came out to family at 42 & publicly @ 43. My son,
@too_ajs
came out at 17 & that gave me courage. How dare any U.S. representative EVER say that people should not live their truths. My son will always live his truth in a way I did not get to. I am grateful for that.
#vtpoli
I am going to say something super vulnerable. Tired of being beat up from every direction. For the crime of being outspoken, not aggressive, about needs of people with the least. My care for these folks is not politically convenient, I get it, it isnt for me either.
#vtpoli
Inspired by
@CoriBush
decided it's time to take action. Just finished presser on housing. Lived Experience Expert
@LisenbyJosh
& I will be right here at the State House until Governor guarantees our neighbors will be safe this winter. All of them!
#vtpoli
@RightsVT
@vtinterfaith
Ways to help:
1. Post Front Porch Forum.
2. Write letter to editor.
3. Retweet, Repost. Share.
4. Talk about me not him.
5. Donate. Donate. Donate.
We have the wind in our sails. Keep it moving. Keep marching forward. Like I do. Collectively do all we can.
#vtpoli
#TeamBrenda
1/ I did not see an ounce of concern for the unhoused who just experienced our state orchestrated mass unsheltering, many of whom have had no choice bug to set up tents near rivers and streams. Nothing on those neighbors in
@GovPhilScott
's emergency.
#vtpoli
#crisisinvt
I am stewing. Yesterday I learned that maybe the state is ordering tents. WHAT is wrong with you
@GovPhilScott
? Tents? Tents is what volunteers & providers buy when they have been left with no option. The state? You. Should. Provide. Shelter.
#vtpoli
#crisisinvt
EBT - Reduced
Everyone Eats - Gone
Medicaid inc- gone
VERAP/Rental Assist. - gone
Evict Moratorium - Gone
GA Motel -exited by July 1
Federal + State
Hate to be the one to say it..how did we drop those with the least almost completely in immediate needs?
#vtpoli
I am deeply concerned that our Republican gov is campaigning with, endorsing and appointing candidates on the far right. You can't denounce this dangerous behavior, if you are lifting it up. Period.
#vtpoli
@vtdems
Hey, it's another stealth conservative running for Vermont House! This one is an election truther, and he was appointed to a board overseeing elections by
@GovPhilScott
.
We need a Governor that believes science. Our communities deserve a chance at healing the Overdose Crisis. To hold on to a sentencing guideline that is rooted in racism for fear of what you might learn, will not deliver for our families. It is not progress.
#vtpoli
@RightsVT
I was so glad to attend Bans Off Our Bodies Rally led by
@PPact
. As governor I will fight for VT to be a leader in Reproductive Liberty AND health access. It is not enough to be pro choice or safe in VT, we must lead in this fight to help others. Keep rising together VT.
#vtpoli
This makes my heart hurt & mind rage. That pile is people's homes! It is human's belongings. That empty space is what it looks like after evil comes & takes everything from those who have nothing. 20 degrees. Holidays upon us. On
#HumanRightsDay
no less.
#vtpoli
#housed802
Is there no end to attacks on state employees? Now their collectively bargained health care is under attack. This administration is exhausting. Civility includes working with people who are willing to work with you. 1st the pensions. Now the Healthcare. Let's do better.
#vtpoli
Yesterday I was asked many times if I would stand up for Teachers. Would I try to take pensions away? The answer is, I will absolutely stand up for teachers & our public schools & I will not come after your pensions. Been vocal since day 1 on this debate.
#vtpoli
@vermontnea
Myself, along with End Homelessness VT has come together with allied groups to create Housing First VT because we know that it is time to use data driven policy to end homelessness & support individuals & our communities.
#vtpoli
#crisisinvt
1/4
On my way home, I drove by a woman surrounded by people. She was trying to get to the retreat to detox, but couldn't walk. I gave her a camping pad to sit on & sat with her & another woman to talk to her until the ambulance arrived.
#vtpoli
#4partplan
#stopoverdose
Right now people are being removed, I hear forcefully & violently, from Sears Lane. They plan to bulldoze. Get down there!
@MiroBTV
this is not humane or ok. This is what you want to hang your hat on as a mayor? This is what you will be remembered for.
#vtpoli
#housed802
1/ A whole lotta myths about motel housing.
1. No
@GovPhilScott
people will not be landing on their feet. They are homeless.
2. No
@GovPhilScott
the motel program is not preventing them from moving on. Unless you mean moving on to suffering & death.
#vtpoli
I finally understand who the Governor was talking about when he said that he wanted to "protect the most vulnerable". It was those making over 500k/year and those who can afford a house over 750k. It all makes sense now. We just misunderstood.
#vtpoli
I need to say something. In Tropical Storm Irene, we lost E.V.E.R.Y.T.H.I.N.G. FEMA gave $400 for my belongings & a couple months in hotel if needed it..that. is. It. I want to manage the expectations about what FEMA does for individuals in these situations.
#vtpoli
#crisisinvt
When I am stressed, I often watch or go skating. Was a competitive figure skater growing up, injured my feet at 17, had to stop. To this day, I feel completely free on the ice. It feels like flying. What do you do for you? I can no longer do much, but just enough.
#vtpoli
1/ As I left the State House tonight, I felt compelled to stop at the site of where I slept for 27 nights. The air tonight felt like many of the nights I was there. Today the VT House passed a General Assistance Modernization bill. It is real progress.
#vtpoli
#crisisinvt
❗️President Biden extends 100% reimbursement of non-congregate sheltering (hotels/motels) for vulnerable populations, including people experiencing homelessness and people with disabilities, through Dec 31❗️
This is about every Vermonter. This is about our State Employees & Teachers. This is about racial & economic justice. This is about the Overdose & Housing Crisis. This is about our children. This is about coming together to make change. Let's do this thing!
#vtpoli
@RightsVT
I was in the House Chamber today to watch the will of the people get thwarted by 1 vote on Just Cause Eviction & Clean Heat Standard attempt at a veto override. This would not happen if we had a gov committed to everyday VTers.
#vtpoli
@RightsVT
#TeamBrenda
I am looking at debt ceiling negotiations & our callous treatment of people experiencing homelessness in VT. If we don't begin to say out loud poor people are one of the groups under attack, we are all part of the problem. US. is on a trajectory of economic genocide.
#vtpoli
Sidebar: the metalic flavor Paxlovid requires you to live with, while worth it...is horrible.
Also, I might mask up if I were you. I definitely got a brutal version of COVID & I can assure you, you don't want to take that chance.
#COVID19
#vtpoli
I don't know how I can stand to tell one more person with a child that I have no tools for them and they will have to sleep outside. There are no tools. There are none. What kind of person lets CHILDREN sleep outside?
#vtpoli
#crisisinvt
Working on night 13. Inhumanity of is really getting to me. When I see what is happening at Sears Lane & Hartford & sleeping out here, while press doesn't ask a single question. We are seeing in broad daylight how we treat those in poverty.
#vtpoli
#housed802
#campin4housing
Annual reminder. Correct words are: substance use disorder or people suffering from substance use disorder.
Not abuse, misuse, addiction, addict and certainly not junky or any other derogatory words.
No shame, but when we know better we do better.
Language matters.
#vtpoli
If you or someone you know needs emergency housing, calls 211 & don't hear back quickly or there is not hotel space, we may be able to help. Contact us either at endhomelessnessvt
@gmail
.com or at 802 365 1348. PASS IT ON!
#vtpoli
#housed802
#opsafewinter
@LisenbyJosh
@RightsVT
@nolanforsenate
1. There is an actual formula shortage. That is what we call a necessity. I have been in poverty a long time and mayonnaise doesn't even clear my top 10 worries.
..let's just leave it at 1.
This is Corwin Chase.
#1
. He is autistic and at 22 years old told me that he can not do a lot of adult things without support. His mom was at the hotel with him but abandoned him there knowing that he had this dissability. He will be exited on May 31st.
#vtpoli
#crisisinvt
I introduced myself to Miss Vermont. She said, "oh. Your Brenda. I love you!" And that led to a deep discussion about her work to increase mental health supports. Thank goodness for people who use their platform to give voice to Vermonters needs.
#vtpoli
@vtdems
I have been working with hotel owners to figure out ways to move forward and over the next 24 hours we are reaching out to ALL the hotels.
In 5 hotels across the state one owner has agreed to offer a 15 day grace period for no cost to the guests.
#vtpoli
#crisisinvt
I am taking a pause from my break to let you all know Adverse Weather rules came out. Nov. 15 to Dec. 15..ONLY night to night & 20 temp or rain/snow & 32. In other words..people are at severe risk. Help your community members. Don't let yourself look the other way.
#vtpoli