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.”