Lyons for Senate

Who am I?

I served as a member of my local Select Board for over 14 years and as Chair for 9 years. I continue to serve on local and regional public and private Boards which keeps me in touch with local issues and needs. I have been in the VT State Senate for 6 terms and am seeking a seventh term. In the Senate I am Chair of the Natural Resources and Energy Committee and Vice Chair of the Education Committee. I have been Vice Chair of the Agriculture and Health and Welfare Committees. My work also includes service on summer working groups such as land use, biomass development, palliative care, and others.I am a member of the Joint Energy Committee, have served on the Health Oversight Committee , and others. I am currently the Co-Chair of the VT Commission on International Trade and State Sovereignty. This Commission consists of business, environmental, legal, and legislative members. We evaluate the risks and benefits of Free Trade Agreements on the State. As a Biology Professor I am acutely aware of the intersection of Public Health and the Environment. The legislative issues I focus on include climate change, renewable energy development, consumer product protection, recycling including electronic waste, ground and surface water protection, equality, systemic improvement of health care, prevention, and many others. Each of my experiences in my community or with my family and friends reinforces my understanding that environmental protection and public health provide the basis for strong communities and a strong economy. We have an opportunity to build a strong state economy with jobs for the 21st century by moving forward on renewable energy development, transportation alternatives and areas related to public health and the environment. I am committed to improving the lives of my fellow Vermonters. During the past session I spearheaded a My website offers more information about who I am. www.senatorginnylyons.com

Why am I running?

What continues to inspire me are my constituents and their strong desire to protect the environment and improve quality of life issues. I am inspired to run for this term to continue work on renewable energy, land use planning, consumer product protection, health care improvement, educational opportunities and many other issues that my constituents care about. The atmosphere in Washington DC has been nothing short of toxic. At the same time VT has made huge progress on health care reform, renewable energy development, workplace equality (equal pay for equal work), Irene recovery, and other critical areas. We get results when we are elected to office in VT. As a Senate leader- I look forward to continued collaboration with other legislators to improve our health care, our economy, our energy future, our environment. Knowing that we can effect change - that our work makes a difference is inspiring. Last session I developed a coalition of over 60 towns to help pass resolutions to overturn Citizens United at the federal level. The stark contrast with Washington DC reminds me how lucky I am to be able to run for elected office in a place where individual legislators can make a difference.

My Goals

1. Improve thermal efficiency -- Our electric efficiency program is a leader in the world. It is time to put similar attention toward VT's weatherization programs. We can integrate resources to insure that homeowners and businesses are insulated from the increasing costs of fuel. Last session I worked with the VT Treasurer to begin looking at how best to support funding for "green" energy projects. I will introduce legislation that moves thermal efficiency programs forward.

2. Develop strategies to improve public and environmental health -- During the first year of the bieenium, I look forward to helping pass a GMO labeling bill, a bill to remove DECA from pallets and other products that might cause harm, and a bill to establish a toxic advisory committee to eliminate harmful chemicals from consumer products.

My DFA Values

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My Campaign is People Powered!

First my connection to my constituents through technology provides important opportunities for coalition building and ongoing support of many important issues as well as support of my candidacy. We have built strong support of important issues based on these interactive connections. My campaign is committed to maintaining such coalitions for specific issues important to my constituents. This is how we passed laws to ban fracking, build renewable energy, develop comprehensive recycling, and a resolution to overturn citizens united through a Constitutional amendment.

People care about democracy. This is exemplified by their sharing time at campaign meetings and social gatherings. My campaign is made up of a series of meetings and discussions with people in my district. People provide me with the groundswell of support that brings results in the State House. I listen to my constituents and know that their ideas provide me with the power to be effective in elected office. Our collaboration is key to making democracy work.

Voice support


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