Mat Levin, former political campaign coordinator with wide experience in Montpelier politics will be with us to explore the impact of money in politics. Since Citizen's United declared that money is speech and that corporate "persons" are entitle to unlimited speech, we have seen an explosion of spending on political campaigns — spending that is in the interests of large banks and international corporations at the expense of middle class interests. Matt will help us see how this impacts Vermont politics as well as its impact on the national scene. BTW, corporate politically spending is not focused on contributing to candidate campaigns. It is focused on creating a political environment conducive to corporate interests.

Watch for additional guest lecturers in coming sessions of this course: March 23, Peter Teachout's (VLS, Constitutional Law) and March 30, David Zuckerman (Vermont Lieutenant Governor.) All classes are held at the Bethel High School.

This is part of Bethel University, a pop-up university held each March in Bethel. Go to betheluniversityvt.com to register for this class. Register for each separation separately.

Jan 13, 2025, 6 PM

Jan 16, 2025, 5:30 to 7 PM

Jan 19, 2025, 2 to 4 PM