With a vote of 16-13, the Vermont State Senate voted to grant child care providers the right to choose to collectively bargain with the state over issues the state controls. The child care providers will be partners with the state in setting policies related to their profession.

AFT Vermont members will be joining in the May 1st march and rally in Montpelier as part of the movement to Put People First, including health care for all and higher education free from oppressive debt.

Hart Research Associates found that by a margin of 26 percentage points, Vermont voters favor allowing early childhood educators to engage in collective bargaining with the state.

Brian Tokar, negotiation team member, stated that the team will be looking for access to basic job security, benefits and the ability to advance.  Tokar stated his hope that “the new administration  at UVM would bring a fresh start in relations with students and faculty.”

The Saving American Democracy Amendment states that:

• Corporations are not persons with constitutional rights equal to real people.
• Corporations are subject to regulation by the people.
• Corporations may not make campaign contributions or any election expenditures.
• Congress and states have the power to regulate campaign finances.