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Gov. Phil Scott has picked press secretary Jason Maulucci to manage his campaign for re-election to a fifth term. 

Amanda Wheeler, of Bradford, will serve as press secretary, effective Monday, May 20. She will now serve as the primary contact for press inquiries for the Governor’s Office. 

Wheeler has served as a special assistant to the Governor since July 2022, where she managed scheduling, events planning, and labor and workforce policy. She previously worked in the Commissioner’s Office at the Vermont Department of Labor, supporting legislative affairs, communications, and operations.

Wheeler replaces Jason Maulucci, who has served in the role since January of 2021. Maulucci will depart the Governor’s Office next week to lead the Governor’s re-election efforts as campaign manager.

Animal welfare bill goes to guv, sportsmen concerned – As reported by the Sportsmen’s Alliance, H. 626 creates a Division of Animal Welfare within the Department of Public Safety to develop, implement, and administer a centralized program for investigating and enforcing animal welfare requirements in the State. The bill would also amend or establish standards for the operation of animal shelters and animal rescue organizations. 

“Animal welfare is important to the Sportsmen’s Alliance, BUT we know exactly how far so-called animal “welfare” individuals and organizations will go…regulating sporting dogs and hobby breeders right out of existence. Your Government Affairs team will be paying close attention to the creation, development, and implementation of this new animal welfare division to ensure sporting dogs and hobby breeders are protected,” the Sportsmen’s Alliance said. 

“This bill could be a problem if the animal extremists take control of it,” said Dr. Todd Adkins, vice president of government affairs at the Sportsmen’s Alliance. “We will have to watch this like a hawk and ask all sportsmen to do the same so we can make sure it’s not used as a vehicle for anti-hunting or anti-sportsmen hijinks.”

Sanders applauds international arrest warrant – Sen. Bernie Sanders Monday released the following statement on the decision of the International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor to seek arrest warrants for Israeli and Hamas leaders relating to the Israel-Gaza conflict:

“The ICC prosecutor is right to take these actions. These arrest warrants may or may not be carried out, but it is imperative that the global community uphold international law. Without these standards of decency and morality, this planet may rapidly descend into anarchy, never-ending wars, and barbarism.”

Cabinet leader leaving for the law – Secretary Kristin Clouser will be leaving her role leading the Agency of Administration next week, to resume her legal career.

Secretary Clouser was first appointed by Governor Scott as deputy secretary of the Agency in November of 2020. In December of 2021, he named Clouser secretary of administration. Prior to her appointment, she served as the chief of the Human Services Division of the Vermont Attorney General’s Office and general counsel to the Agency of Human Services.

Secretary Clouser’s last day will be May 24. Deputy Secretary Sarah Clark will serve as interim secretary.