F-35 Citizens' Hearing

06/17/13 • 5 min

On Thursday May 30th, hundreds of Vermont residents participated in a citizens’ hearing surrounding the potential arrival of the F-35 aircraft in Burlington. Immediately after the Burlington airport was chosen as the base for the F-35 aircraft, Vermont residents came together to express their opposition. Many people expressed their concerns about the noise pollution that the jets would bring to their neighborhoods as well as the enormous costs and technical flaws of the aircraft. If the F-35 aircraft is based in Burlington, over 7,000 lives will be negatively affected. Many residents also spoke about legislators’ continued support for the F-35 and expressed their concerns about how they were not given the opportunity to take part in a decision that greatly affects them and their neighbors. Residents at the hearing called for policies that put people first.

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2013 May 1st March & Day of Action

Thousands of people across Vermont marched to the statehouse in Montpelier on Wednesday May 1st to participate in a day of action. The day was organized by the Put People First Campaign, which is building a movement for human rights and democracy in Vermont. Members from many different organizations and groups such as Migrant Justice, Vermont Early Educators United, environmental justice groups, homecare workers, students, children and families gathered to participate in the action fair after the march. The action fair included a healthcare screening clinic, youth tent, and many other activities representing the vision for a world where everyone’s fundamental needs are met. Participants talked about how May 1st is a day to unite and come together to fight for human rights and true democracy. Immediately following May 1st, the Put People First campaign celebrated two major legislative victories. The bill recognizing homecare workers’ right to organize passed the following day, and Migrant Justice’s drivers license bill passed on Tuesday May 7th. Participants looked toward the 2014 legislative session and committed to continue to organize for universal healthcare, a budget that meets everyone’s needs, and a future where everyone’s human rights are met.

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Stop Danilo's Deportation!

On Monday, June 24th, friends and supporters of Danilo Lopez gathered at the Charlotte Congregational Church to hear his story and to take action against his deportation. Many spoke about Danilo’s positive impact on the community and his diligence in fighting for human rights for all. Danilo was a leader in the passing of S.38, a bill that gives migrant workers the right to drivers licenses, and he has continued to be a human rights leader in the community. Although S.38 marks a tremendous victory, migrant workers continue to face struggles with discrimination, dignity at work, unlawful deportations and many other issues. This event brought awareness to the need for immigration policy reform not only in the state of Vermont but in the nation. The event closed with support from the audience in the form of petition signatures and videos asking that ICE close Danilo’s case and allow him to stay. Many members of Migrant Justice, and friends and supporters of Danilo continue to fight Danilo’s deportation and the deportation of all migrant workers locally and through the national campaign, Not One More.