Rights and Democracy

Education Funding Policy Discussion 10/13/2021

Rep. Emma Mulvaney-Stanak (Burlington) and other State Representatives Taylor Small (Winooski), Tanya Vyhovsky (Essex) and Brian Cina (Burlington), alongside Rights & Democracy discuss Vermont's current education funding policy and how it impacts our communities. The first 30 minutes include an overview on Vermont's education funding system and the enabling legislation (Act 173) to examine the weighted per pupil formula as part of how funding is calculated. Afterwords, the shift into a conversation about the status of the legislative taskforce charged with examining the education spending/funding system and how their recommendations frame the policy debate when the legislature reconvenes in January 2022.

From Emma Mulvaney-Stanak - "Burlington and Winooski have student populations with a variety of needs and higher costs to deliver education so all of our students can thrive - language access is one example. Our current funding formula depends on metrics that do not adequately account for today's student population and schools - in particular diverse student populated schools and small, rural schools who have unique needs. I believe we need a funding system that does not pass inequitable burdens onto local taxpayers due to the unique needs of local students/schools. We need to modernize our funding formula and truly embraces the concept that Vermonters fund an education system for all students, not just their local students. One very tangible policy change is to examine the weighted per pupil spending formula to match today's needs."

For more information, contact Emma Mulvaney-Stanak at emulvaneystanak@leg.state.vt.us.

RAD-TV Presents: Tackling Global Climate Change on a Local Level 12/19/2019

Tom Proctor hosts Burlington City Councilor Jack Hanson to discuss global climate change and their local efforts.

RAD-TV Presents: A New Social Contract for Workers! 09/27/2019

This month on RAD-TV we’re exploring a new social contract for workers and a report from the National Economic & Social Rights Institute (NESRI). Host Tom Proctor is joined by Executive Director of NESRI Cathy Albisa and newly elected VT AFL-CIO President David Van Deusen. They weigh in on the report, discuss what’s next for Vermont’s labor movement, and explore how we implement a new social contract for workers here in our state.

Host: Tom Proctor

Guests:

Cathy Albisa - Co-founder and Executive Director of NESRI (National Economic and Social Rights Institute)

David Van Deusen - Newly elected President of the Vermont State Labor Council, AFL-CIO (American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations)

RAD-TV Presents: $15 Minimum Wage and Paid Family Leave - What happened and where do we go from here? 07/30/2019

This month on RAD-TV we speak with Kate Logan, Director of Programming and Policy at RAD, Joshua Wronski, Executive Director of the Vermont Progressive Party, and Representative Tom Stevens, Representative of Washington-Chittenden. Our guests are joined by the host for the show, Tom Proctor!

Kate Logan discusses RAD's work on the two bills almost at the finish line, and what work is being done now to ensure that both bills make it to the Governor's desk in the next legislative session.

Josh Wronski discusses how they are preparing for the next legislative session, what other bills are going to be introduced to help workers in Vermont, and how do we avoid this happening again.

Tom Stevens lends his view to the Democrats position and what their plan is for the upcoming legislative session.

RAD-TV Presents: Housing in Burlington - How do we build a more equitable city? 05/31/2019

This month we’re talking about housing in Burlington, including ideas on how to create a better environment for first time home buyers, methods to develop affordable housing in tight markets, and what might be in the list of priorities that will be emerging following the 2019 Burlington Housing Summit.

Host Tom Proctor speaks with Tony Redington, representing the Coalition for a Livable City, Zoraya Hightower, an aspiring first time home buyer and Development Review Board committee member, and David White, Interim Director at CEDO.

www.burlingtonvt.gov/mayor/burlingtonhousingsummit2019

A Visit With: Cathy Mullen of Montreal Stylze - Free Haircuts 12/15/2017

"A Visit With" catches up with Cathy Mullen, proprietor of Montreal Stylze about her holiday offer of free haircuts for those in need on Monday, December 18 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Produced by Margaret Harrington.

RAD-TV Presents: Local Ownership and Burlington Telecom 10/27/2017

This episode is hosted by Noah Detzer with guests Max Tracy and Eric Maier to report back on our work over the past month, talk about the current campaign to Keep Burlington Telecom Local, and to let folks know about our upcoming Movement Politics Training and Membership Assembly.

A Visit With: The Champlain Senior Center 08/09/2017

"A Visit With" attends a healthcare-focused forum held at the Champlain Senior Center and led by officials from Rights and Democracy and Senator Sanders' office. Produced by Tessa Tallagnon and Margaret Harrington.

A Visit With: Act 48 Healthcare for Vermont 08/02/2017

"A Visit With" talks to Jessica Early and Mary Gerisch about Act 48 and its effect on our healthcare system should it be fully implemented. Produced by Margaret Harrington and Tessa Tallagnon.

A Visit With: Rights & Democracy Summer Kickoff 06/16/2017

"A Visit With" has an evening with Rights & Democracy (RAD) for their summer launch party. Includes interviews with attendees and organizers to discuss the mission statement and values of RAD. Live music by Leatherbound Books. Filmed and edited by Tessa Tallagnon and Margaret Harrington.

Featured Story

Applications Now Open for the Spring 2025 Cohort of the Neighborhood Community Media Internship Program

Town Meeting TV is excited to announce that applications are now open for the Spring 2025 cohort of the Neighborhood Community Media Internship program. Join up to 8 other youth to engage in interesting media making projects! This paid media internship opportunity is designed for youth aged 16-20 who are eager to gain professional experience in the audio-visual field and develop a deeper understanding of their local community. The group will meet under the leadership of Town Meeting TV's Travis Washington from the end of January 2025 to the beginning of June 2025, on a schedule agreed upon by the whole cohort. Click here to apply!