Vermonters are facing significant obstacles in accessing affordable, quality dental care, according to an Oral Health Landscape report released by Voices for Vermont’s Children on behalf of the Vermont Oral Health Equity Project. The report reveals critical, far-reaching issues, including severe workforce shortages, disparities in access, and systemic inequities, that prevent communities—particularly low-income, rural, and marginalized populations—from receiving essential oral health services.

Back in February we issued a budget brief highlighting the good, the bad, and missing investments in Governor Scott’s proposed 2021 budget. Fast forward seven months to the middle of a pandemic that has revealed the substantial limitations of our family and economic support systems - the tools families need to raise healthy, thriving kids.

The version of the paid leave bill (H. 107) that emerged from conference committee included some strong components of an equitable family leave program. However, by failing to provide universal coverage for workers to take paid time off to recover from their own serious illness or injury, H.107 ensures that inequity will continue, and likely worsen.

We stand with Dr. Christine Blasey Ford as she testifies today before the Senate Judiciary Committee. As organizations that work on issues impacting the well-being of women and girls in Vermont, we know that this is an important moment for our country.