By Guy Page
Gov. Scott read his letter of veto of S.18, the flavored tobacco ban, at a press conference today.
The bill passed both the House and Senate without a veto-proof majority.
Scott said he agrees the state must protect children – one of the benefits cited by supporters of the bill banning menthol cigarettes and other flavored tobacco products – but said it needs to “honor the rights and freedoms of adults.”
He also pointed to the “inconsistencies” of state-approved sale of flavored marijuana and liquor products, despite the known risk of both to youth.
“People lose faith in government when policies have these inconsistencies,” Scott said. He noted the products will still be available through online sales and in NH. The loss of up to $14 million in state tax revenue was not a major consideration, he said.
His view could change if the Legislature also would limit marijuana edibles, Scott said.
“I am very concerned about edibles, cannabis edibles,” he said. “It seems already out of control in the state, across the board, and I think we need to get a handle on it.”
H.612, a cannabis bill that allows a loophole for sales to older teens, was approved by the House and is now in the Senate. Asked about the bill by VDC today, Gov. Scott said he “hasn’t thought much about it.”
Charter schools, school consolidation not factors in Ed Secretary pick – Gov. Scott appeared nonplussed that some in the Vermont media and lawmakers are concerned about Education Secretary nominee Zoie Saunders’ background in school consolidations and charter schools. The issue of charter schools isn’t likely to arise in Vermont, and was only discussed during the interview as a ‘hot button’ issue that might arise. When asked if her background in school consolidation and closings is one of reasons she was picked, Scott answered, “No, that wasn’t one, either.”
Flood mapping bill redundant? The Senate on Tuesday, April 2 passed a flood resiliency and remediation planning bill, S.310. Sen. Russ Ingalls (R-Essex), who voted no, says FEMA is already preparing a flood map. Senate Pro Tem Phil Baruth (D-Chittenden) said the state needs its own data because FEMA may not map as thoroughly as the State might want.
When asked, Scott appeared to agree with Ingalls. “I think we should avoid any duplication in any dollars spent. We’ll take a look at that, as well…. We should be looking at ways to save money.”
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Categories: Legislation
Lol. A whole lot of people lost faith in government a long time ago and it had nothing to do with flavored tobacco. Wake up, Mr. Van Winkle.
Thank you Governor! You got one right.
Thank you Gov. Scott for your veto and for pointing out the glaring hypocrisy of how we treat nicotine versus alcohol versus street opioids. There are legislators who want to ban certain already-age-restricted nicotine products, while already forcing smokers to engage in their habit away from any doorways, in the rain, out behind the dumpsters. Meanwhile they are promoting “safe injection facilities” for those who use illegally-obtained opioids, cocaine and horse tranquilizer. I’m sure some of those virtue signaling, lobbyist-owned legislators like to sit down in the evening and enjoy an alcoholic beverage that is “flavored”. No rational person is claiming that Frangelico liqueur or Long Trail Blackberry Wheat beer is being deliberately marketed to children.
There is a difference between the way people of common sense and people of the left define and understand the concept of “harm reduction”. Folks on the left are motivated primarily by their own virtue signaling and not guided by objective analyses and outcomes. When someone travels a distance to avoid a ban or excessive taxation on a product, they will tend to over-purchase. When someone over-purchases and has a lot of said product on hand, especially a product that has addictive properties, they tend to over-consume. So, where is the harm reduction?
hey hey pfizer phil how many vermonters did you kill//// this will go down as the crime of the century// there is no more proof needed/// his vote from now on is worthless///
mday44yahoocom
Wait, are you saying that there SHOULD be a flavor ban??
If you are, then you need a 🧠 check!
Legalized Marijuana, flavored edibles, free drug paraphernalia accessories, “safe” injection sites to 💉 illegal drugs…but ban favored nicotine????
Trust and believe it is NOT about the kids!🙄
Old man’s conservative fantasy: A legislative session where instead of passing laws an audit of previous laws’ impacts convinces folks to go on a repeal binge.
You go, Governor, you go………………………Now how about dealing with real issues within the state, things like debt & taxes !!, Hey GOP, he’s the best we’ve got ??
God Help Us
He is too busy playing defense for us decent, productive, contributing members of society after the majority of voters hung the sword of Damocles of a legislative supermajority over his head. He would love to be dealing with real issues like AFFORDABILITY which has been his main objective ever since his first campaign for Governor.
“People lose faith in government when policies have these inconsistencies,” Scott said. Speaking of “inconsistencies” . . . do you support Republican candidates or Democratic candidates? The people haven’t lost faith in the government because of varying tastes of items . . . it is more a ‘distaste’ for government not listening to their constituents and pushing their personal agendas.
Speaking of inconsistencies:
Didn’t Governor Scott support legalizing cannabis? Now he’s not so keen on edibles? Once you open the door, how do you then shut out all the unintended guests?
Once again, another one of our politicians talking about how “the state must protect children.” But it was Governor Scott who signed H.57 into statute in June, 2019, effectively eliminating all legal protections in Vermont for children in the womb.
Inconsistencies, indeed, sir.