Lt. Governor Zuckerman’s Momentum: Another Debate Won and Strong Fundraising Numbers
PRESS RELEASE: October 1, 2020
Lt. Governor Zuckerman’s Momentum: Another Debate Won and Strong Fundraising Numbers
BURLINGTON: Lt. Governor Zuckerman delivered another commanding performance in the live NBC 5 debate this evening, and released his strong September fundraising numbers - demonstrating his growing momentum coming into the last month of the election.
Lt. Governor Zuckerman specifically focused on his vision to support and build infrastructure in Vermont as part of a forward-looking strategy to invest in Vermonters now and build a better, more secure future.
Specifically, Lt. Governor Zuckerman pointed to three examples where lack of action and investment around growing issues have led to suffering and economic instability:
The inaction around investing in up-to-date technology for our unemployment system which led to thousands of Vermonters unable to access their benefits;
The inaction on funding for our Vermont State colleges which would have led to a devastating shutting down of three campuses in our rural communities was it not for public outcry and action.
The veto by Governor Scott of the minimum wage; struggling Vermonters would have had $2,000 more in their pockets during this crisis had it not been vetoed. Raising the minimum wage would also have led to over $100 million more dollars circulating in our Vermont economy.
Lt. Governor Zuckerman demonstrated how each of these examples, which have come to a head now, mirror similar issues that Governor Scott is not acting on today. Lt. Governor Zuckerman presented his plan for decisive action on addressing the climate crisis while building good-paying jobs. He also presented his plans for investing in critical infrastructure moving forward: broadband, weatherization, and affordable housing to support Vermonters into the future.
This conversation presented a clear difference to Vermont voters: A candidate who will look to the future and plan ahead for a better and stronger Vermont and a candidate who has allowed our infrastructure, our safety standards, our schools, to be put in danger due to inaction and lack of political courage to invest in our future.
Lt. Governor Zuckerman also demonstrated his clear momentum in this campaign by speaking to his campaign finance report numbers, released immediately following the debate.
In the month of September, the Zuckerman for VT campaign raised $106,713 from 1,376 donations including over 400 new donors in September alone. The average donation was $77.27. Lt. Governor Zuckerman also received financial support from the VT NEA, the Vermont Renewable Energy PAC, and other Democratic and Progressive organizations. Unlike his opponent, who receives significant support from donors and businesses connected to the fossil fuel industry, Lt. Governor Zuckerman has never accepted corporate contributions. The Zuckerman for VT campaign enters the last month of the campaign with a healthy $92,394 cash on hand.
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