MONTPELIER — Lawmakers had just been sworn
in for a new legislative session Wednesday when
a group of advocates for the homeless rallied on
the Statehouse steps, urging them to put a halt
to homelessness.
A short while later, advocates for single-payer
health care crowded into a Statehouse room in
hopes of sending a message to legislators that
they are expecting change.
An age-old and annual tradition of in-person
advocacy in Montpelier had been renewed. Many
other organizations representing a variety of
interests will rally this year on the Statehouse
steps and visit with lawmakers inside the historic
building.
Wednesday, homeless and health care advocates
were encouraged by the response they received
from state leaders.
Gov.-elect Peter Shumlin, who is to be
inaugurated today, told the homeless advocates
he is putting $500,000 into the midyear budget
adjustment bill to boost spending for homeless
shelters.
House Speaker Shap Smith, D-Morristown, gave
the advocates advice for how best to get results
from legislators.
“Talk to your individual representatives to let
them know how this issue affects your
communities,” he said.
Health-care advocates who want government-
run universal coverage look at the incoming
Shumlin administration with high hopes. Shumlin
campaigned saying he would try to create such a
system.
Although a legislative consultant has indicated
that could take 12 years and eight federal
waivers that require congressional approval,
advocates see this as their big chance.
“The door’s open,” said Mari Cordes, president of
the Vermont Federation of Nurses and Health
Professionals.