Wildlife management, flavored tobacco, new education secretary

As we are about two thirds of the way through the 2024 legislative session, I wanted to highlight and speak to the three topics I’ve been contacted about the most this year.

First, and most recently, I have received many concerns about the newly named Vermont education secretary, Zoie Saunders. I share the concern that she has not had any significant classroom or public-school experience and would be at the helm through momentous times for the future of our public education system. Though I am already inclined toward voting no on her confirmation — a unique power of the Senate — I am still trying to answer two questions.

What powers would the secretary of education and the governor have to implement policy or budgetary changes without legislative approval? And what is the impact of a no vote on the secretary’s confirmation, besides the principled stance of a majority of the Senate? 

The last time it is believed the Senate blocked a confirmation was during the Dean administration, so we will have to look at history, ensure a fair process and make a sound judgment based on the evidence.

Second, we have been receiving statewide communication on S.18, which bans the sale of menthol cigarettes and e-cigarette flavored cartridges. It does not ban pipes, shisha, pouches and other forms of flavored tobacco. Those opposed generally focused on lost revenue to local businesses, though other states have seen a dip in sales and then a return to the same level of tobacco sales.

Those in favor are generally schoolchildren, school administrators and pediatricians worried that harmful e-cigarettes, especially when laced, are becoming prevalent in schools. 

I voted in favor of the bill, especially as it adds a position for online sales enforcement. The bill passed 18-12 and is on its way to the governor, who may or may not veto the bill.

Finally, S.258, which would add more voices to the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Board, led to likely the most polarized feedback we received. People were very strongly for or against this proposal, and that was originally mirrored in the Senate.

That said, the bill was significantly amended and makes incremental change to diversify the Fish & Wildlife Board by two members, added to a current 14 and appointed by the House and Senate, as well as to vest rulemaking authority with the commissioner of the Department of Fish & Wildlife. The language on trapping was removed and the status quo remains. 

This felt reasonable enough that the bill passed 21-8, and I voted yes on behalf of many constituents who would like to widen the circle of discussion beyond game fish and animals to all wildlife.

As always, I am happy to discuss any of these items further and it is a privilege to serve.

Kesha Ram Hinsdale, a Democrat from Shelburne, serves the towns of South Burlington, Shelburne, Charlotte, Hinesburg, Milton, Burlington, St. George, Westford, Underhill, Jericho, Richmond, Winooski, Williston, Essex and Bolton in the Legislature.