Economic and Social Rights

Deprivation in the Face of Plenty: A Human Rights Crisis
May 3, 2013
Today the New York Times reported that suicide has increased dramatically among middle-aged people in the United States, with disproportionately more men killing themselves.  The article raised the question whether it was economic distress that was driving our people to kill themselves in... Keep Reading »
Put People First Rally Highlights Strength of Human Rights Movement in Vermont
May 2, 2013
Watch the highlights of Vermont's large May Day march and hear how a member of the Put People First campaign describes the growing unity among the many struggles for our human rights. Check out this article in the Bosten Globe: MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) — More than 1,000 activists... Keep Reading »
May 1st Rally: Now Is the Time to Send a Loud Message to Put People First!
May 1, 2013
For the fifth year in a row over well over a thousand people from all over Vermont will participate in at a huge May 1st Statehouse Rally.  In 2009, we came to change what was politically possible in healthcare reform. In 2013, its become clear that what we really need to make possible is... Keep Reading »
May Day Rally in Vermont - Advance Media Coverage
April 29, 2013
MONTPELIER — In 2009, the Vermont Workers’ Center convened the first-ever May Day rally as a way of demonstrating political support for single-payer health care. Four years later, this annual “day of action” will include a call for increased government spending on... Keep Reading »
In Support of a 'People's Budget'
April 19, 2013
One of the most important lessons I’ve gained in life is that when you have a problem, you figure out what’s causing it and get down to the root of the matter. Gov. Shumlin’s proposals to cap Reach Up and limit the Earned Income Tax Credit are a clear example of misunderstanding... Keep Reading »
Why We Need a Human Rights Based Tax System
April 15, 2013
Today the highest earners in our country are filing taxes at rates lower than those struggling to pay rent and put food on the table for their families.  This dynamic is reaching disturbing depths as the media announces that corporate profits are at record highs while wages for people are at... Keep Reading »
Ashamed to Have Children? Speaking Out Against the Stigmatization of Women in Poverty
March 8, 2013
Every year, International Women’s Day offers an all-too-symbolic reminder of our continuing struggle to secure women’s human rights in this country and across the world.  The barriers to economic and social rights we seek to tackle on a daily basis disproportionally affect women... Keep Reading »
Dignity For All: Put People First Statement for a People’s Budget
February 13, 2013
Vermont's Put People First movement delivered this unity statement to members of the Vermont Senate and House Appropriations Committees at the February 11, 2013, Budget Hearings held at 15 VT Interactive TV sites throughout the state. Many dozen members of Put People First testified at the... Keep Reading »
The People's Address - Vermont's Alternative to the Governor's Budget Address
January 25, 2013
The Vermont Workers' Center and its Put People First partners delivered the People's Address on the future of Vermont's budget and healthcare systems. The People's Address was given ahead of the Governor's Budget Address and the Administration's presentation of a financing... Keep Reading »
From the Dream to a Revolution in Values: Heeding the Call to Put People First
January 21, 2013
Today is a day heavy with symbolism as we commemorate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King while the first African-American U.S. President is publicly sworn in for the second time.  On the surface on a day like this Dr. King’s dream that a person be judged by the content of his (or her)... Keep Reading »