Do you want to get involved with the leadership of your union? One of the best ways to do so is to serve on the VSEA Board of Trustees. VSEA is running a special election and is now accepting petitions for Second Vice President and Clerk. Below are brief descriptions of these positions:
VSEA Second Vice President: Two-year term. Acts as an alternate when the VSEA First Vice President is not available.
VSEA Clerk: Two-year term. Takes notes and prepares meeting minutes for VSEA Board of Trustees meetings, Council meetings, and VSEA Annual Meeting. Submits minutes to VSEA staff who post and distribute minutes to members.
Any member in good standing can run for an Officer position. If you are interested in running for a VSEA Board of Trustees’ seat there are two ways to do so:
As many of you may know, Beth McLean is a supervisor out of the Brattleboro Probation and Parole office and has been battling colon cancer for the past three years. She has recently been given some bad news and despite multiple rounds of chemo and various treatment, the cancer continues to grow and has spread. Doctors have determined that she has 6 to 9 months left. She has been working from home or a hospital bed to keep her and her young family afloat. She has nearly exhausted all her leave fighting this for so long and is close to going off payroll. I’m hoping we can help or at least ease the financial burden enough that when she needs to rest, she can or if she would like to enjoy a day with her young son she may do so without worry.
With Beth’s permission, I created a Go Fund Me account to support her and her family during this battle. Should you be interested in contributing to the fund, we welcome and deeply appreciate your assistance.
In the aftermath of the catastrophic damage this week’s flooding has caused, we are reminded, how first and foremost, VSEA members and their families, sacrifice their own comfort and security to answer the call for the people of Vermont each day and especially in an emergency. They leave the press conferences to others and quietly do the work that keeps Vermonters safe. Long after the flood waters recede, VSEA members will be steadily at work helping to rebuild and recover. It is in moments like this that Vermonters rely on state employees the most. Thank you for all that you and your families go through to keep government functioning in a crisis while also responding to the danger it presents to Vermonters.
Below, please find links to resources. And, please, heed this advice from Senator Bernie Sanders’ office:
Turn off the circuit breaker in your home before you evacuate – if you can do so safely.
If rising water is approaching, leave.
If you need to evacuate, do so over high ground. Plan that route as soon as possible.
If your home floods, have a licensed electrician inspect your electrical system before you once again occupy your home.
If you are in a flood-prone area, or if you believe your home will be flooded, it is advisable to move valuables from your basement in case water enters your home.
Check your insurance coverage now, and then contact your insurance company if you have damage
Due to unprecedented flooding in Vermont, road closures, and the potential for more rain, it’s in the best interest to cancel the “VSEA Day At The Races” and “VSEA In The Park” events. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Rain dates will be announced so please be on the lookout for more information. Thank you and stay safe!
Update July 14: VSEA Day At The Races” has been rescheduled to Thursday, July 27. Full details here.
The members of the VSEA would like to express our deepest sympathy and our condolences to the family of Officer Jessica Ebbighausen and to the members of the Rutland City Police Department after a tragic incident that took the life of this police officer just beginning her career.
Unfortunately, our members understand all too well the dangers that come from protecting the public and the personal sacrifice that public servants like Officer Ebbighausen make to keep Vermont safe. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this challenging time.
