WHY VPIRG VOTES IS ENDORSING BECCA BALINT FOR CONGRESS

I’m thrilled, proud and honored to share that VPIRG Votes has endorsed Vermont Senate President Pro Tem Becca Balint in the race to become Vermont’s next (and first!) U.S. congresswoman.

Becca has been a consistent, effective and fierce advocate for the public interest during her tenure as a state senator, and we have no doubt that as our next representative in the U.S. House she will not only continue to put the well-being of Vermont’s people and environment ahead of big-money special interests, she will be a leader—pushing Congress to address the biggest challenges our country faces:

• Becca will be a bulwark for a democracy that’s under attack because that’s what she’s done in Vermont: supporting pro-democracy reforms like election-day voter registration and a ban on corporate campaign contributions, leading the Senate to pass universal vote-by-mail, and being an outspoken proponent of Ranked Choice Voting.

• Becca will put the health and safety of our people and environment ahead of toxic polluters and big industry because that’s what she’s done in Vermont: supporting improvements to the Toxic-Free Families Act, justice for victims of toxic chemical exposure, a ban on single-use plastics, and shepherding the nation’s strongest ban on PFAS chemicals in consumer products through the Senate.

• Becca will be a staunch advocate for consumer protection—standing up to Big Tech and the Giant Telecoms—because that’s what she’s done in Vermont: helping to pass some of the nation’s strongest digital privacy legislation to protect Vermonters’ personal information, supporting legislation to protect net neutrality in Vermont, and championing a community-based model of broadband expansion for our state.

• And Becca will be an absolute leader in the fight to address the climate crisis because that’s what she’s done in Vermont: voting consistently for pro-clean energy, green jobs legislation and leading the way on the most consequential climate policies and investments in Vermont history.

I vividly remember Becca addressing 5,000+ Vermonters at the 2019 global climate strike from the steps of Burlington City Hall—guaranteeing those people that in the next legislative session Vermont would enact the Global Warming Solutions Act. And you know what? Becca delivered. In 2020, Vermont enacted the Solutions Act (overcoming a gubernatorial veto and pandemic challenges to do so) in no small part to Becca’s steadfast commitment and outstanding work as Senate majority leader.

Since being elected to the Vermont Senate in 2014, Becca has been remarkably effective in advancing a broad slate of progressive policies while gaining the trust and admiration of her colleagues. In addition to the wins highlighted above, she’s also been a champion for health care reform, justice and equity, reproductive freedom, affordable housing and so much more. And she was elected by her colleagues to be the first woman and first openly gay person to serve as Senate President Pro Tem in Vermont’s history.

In all of my interactions with Becca, I’ve always come away thinking two things: she listens and she cares. She is both deeply committed to her values, yet able to connect with and earn the respect of those across the ideological spectrum. She is someone who will fight passionately for Vermont with integrity and kindness—a quality that, I’m sad to say, is in far too short supply in our politics these days.

It's worth noting that Vermont is fortunate to have more than one strong candidate running in this race. This endorsement should not be taken to suggest that the other candidates would serve Vermont without distinction. Rather, this endorsement is a recognition of Sen. Balint’s tremendous track-record and incredible effectiveness as a champion for the public interest. It’s our strong belief that she is best situated to be an outstanding advocate for Vermont from day one.

I hope you’ll join me in voting for Becca Balint in Vermont’s primary election on or before Tuesday, August 9. You can vote at your polling place on election day OR early-in-person at your town clerk’s office OR early-by-mail (but please note that primary ballots will not be mailed out automatically – if you want to vote by mail in the primary you need to request a ballot at mvp.vermont.gov).

In solidarity,

Paul Burns
VPIRG Votes

PS – It’s impossible to overstate just what an incredible ally and leader Becca Balint has been to the wide range of people and organizations fighting for the public interest. Time and again she's gone the extra mile to speak at a conference, brief our canvassers, listen to our concerns, and help shape meaningful solutions. And as a leader, she’s worked tirelessly to build the support necessary to pass important, and often landmark legislation. VPIRG Votes is thrilled to support her candidacy for Congress.