Jacob first spoke about the state of Vermont’s healthcare system and how workers and patients are failed by it.
“Our employer, UVM Health, along with the now defunct OneCare Vermont, have played an enormous role in structuring the healthcare system in Vermont, and it’s no surprise that in a for-profit system they have prioritized costly procedures over preventative care and driven revenues into administrative waste, executive salaries, and propping up less viable facilities in New York State.”
“Vermont is now the most expensive place to receive healthcare in the world, but that money does not make it to us as healthcare workers, nor does it even necessarily translate to more quality patient care. Instead, we’re trapped in a downward cycle.”
Nicole followed, emphasizing the crisis that we’re currently facing and the overwhelming popularity of a universal, publicly funded healthcare system.
“We know healthcare access in Vermont is a crisis. It’s not a debate or a surprise. The question is what we’re willing to do about it.”
“We’re fighting for a better system because the status quo is a crisis for us as healthcare workers when the hospital budget is being balanced on our backs. It’s a crisis for our patients who aren’t receiving the care they deserve. It’s a crisis for our teachers and our schools whose budgets are skyrocketing due to healthcare costs. It’s a crisis for the uninsured, who are too afraid of medical debt to receive the care they need. “
“The 2026 Vermont poll found that 73% of Vermonters support a universal, publicly funded healthcare system. Only 10% were opposed. Amongst our members, 98% believe that healthcare is a human right. Universal healthcare is what Vermonters want.”
You can watch Jacob and Nicole’s full testimony here. | 
