Shared on behalf of Jen Monroe Zakaras, candidate for Burlington City Council, South District:

Hello neighbors,

This has been a rough few weeks since the inauguration. The impacts of the Trump administration's actions have reached far and wide, even here in Burlington, and I know many of us are struggling.

Most of my work – my research related to public health, to climate change and health, and to global health – is targeted by funding cuts at the National Institutes of Health. My colleagues are in tears as their life-saving work and patient care are derailed and scorned. And as many of you know, my daughter attends the Integrated Arts Academy, and I've been engaging school and district leadership about how we will protect our students based on immigrant status and gender identity.

I believe we need to be transparent and unwavering in our support for all members of our community, especially those most vulnerable to the administration's aggressive targeting.

On that front, educating ourselves will help prepare us for what's to come. There is a UVM event next week (details below) that will walk us through what executive orders are, and importantly, what they can – and can't – do. I went to a similar event recently, and one of the takeaways is that the implementation of executive orders is complex and takes time (during which many will be challenged in courts).

I hope this is helpful, and please reach out anytime to talk. We are all in this together.

Warmly,
Jen

Separation of Powers: How Executive Orders Function in Our Political Landscape

Come learn the basics of executive orders and the history of immigration. Speakers to include Political Science Professor Alex Garlick, Geography and Geosciences Professor Pablo Bose, and members of Vermont's Congressional delegation: Senator Bernie Sanders, Senator Peter Welch, and Representative Becca Balint.

Event Info

Feb 11, 2025, 7 to 9 PM

Feb 13, 2025, 6:30 to 8:30 PM

Feb 14, 2025, 10 AM to 2 PM