Vermont GOP legislator joins Libertarians

Vermont Rep. Jarrod Sammis has switched to the Libertarian Party, becoming the first Libertarian in the state House in 25 years.

Vermont GOP legislator joins Libertarians | WCAX 3 - Joe Carroll:

May. 3, 2023 - Rep. Jarrod Sammis -- who represents Castleton and Bomoseen -- on Wednesday dropped out of the GOP and joined the Vermont Libertarian Party. The freshman legislator says the Libertarians are more in line with his political views, including the party’s Anti-War Coalition, which opposes sending Guard members into conflict without Congress declaring war.

“'I would say there is a lot of work that can be done in terms of social justice issues, but in terms of the Republican Party, there are quite a few Republicans I work with, I’m friends with, and quite a few I’m quite flexible in working, in terms of those issues, in terms of the transition, I only wish them the best of luck,' Sammis said

"'Generally speaking, our platform really focuses on the rights of the individual, every individual. We don’t believe in any oppression, especially oppression from the government,' said Vermont Libertarian Party Chair Olga Madach-Duclerc.

"Sammis will be the first Libertarian in the House in 25 years. Sammis says he is not sure yet if he’ll caucus with the Republicans or the Democrats."

Read more: https://www.wcax.com/2023/05/03/vt-gop-lawmaker-switches-libertarian-party/

Jared Sammis | From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia - May 28, 2023::

"Jarrod Sammis was born in 1989 or 1990 in Middlebury, Vermont, and ... grew up in Ticonderoga, New York. His family has resided in the region for several centuries.... Sammis graduated from Castleton State College in 2013 with a bachelor's degree in communication and public relations. He works as a realtor and marketing coordinator at his family's real estate company, Century 21 Adirondacks...

"Sammis ran for the Vermont House of Representatives as a member of the Republican Party in the 2022 election, running in the Rutland-3 district, which contains Castleton.... A self-identified libertarian who had previously been a volunteer for Gary Johnson's 2016 presidential campaign, Sammis campaigned on three key issues: protecting Vermont's education system by sequestering the education budget to 'protect it from being siphoned from other programs', improving substance abuse and mental health programs, and preserving civil liberties, including LGBTQ rights. He also favored 'reducing the tax burden to make Vermont more affordable', and was opposed to a proposed carbon tax.

"During the campaign, several deleted YouTube videos published by Sammis re-surfaced when archived copies were posted to a blog; in the videos, he 'question[ed] the legitimacy of Joe Biden's 2020 election win and joked about shooting communists'.... Sammis was elected to the state house, receiving 835 votes to Droege's 793, a margin of 43 votes.

"During his tenure, Sammis voted against the Affordable Heat Act, a bill which regulates the importation of fossil heating fuels into Vermont in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. He also opposed the merger of Castleton University, Northern Vermont University, and Vermont Technical College into a single university, Vermont State University. According to the Vermont Daily Chronicle, he has also been a 'strong defender of Libraries of the Vermont State College System, and has worked to keep herbicides out of Lake Bomoseen'. He is a member of the House Committee on Commerce and Economic Development.

"During the press conference for this party switch, Sammis stated his intention of introducing a bill which would 'forbid the Vermont National Guard from being deployed overseas without a formal federal declaration of war'."

Read more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jarrod_Sammis

VT House Representative switched to Libertarian Party | Latina Libertarian - May 3, 2023:

Vermont House votes to legalize cannabis sales

Bill To Legalize Marijuana Sales Officially Passes Vermont House Of Representatives | Marijuana Moment - Kyle Jaeger:

February 27, 2020 - "The Vermont House of Representatives finalized its approval of a bill to legalize the retail sale of marijuana on Thursday, but Gov. Phil Scott (R) said he’s not happy with at least one key component of the legislation. Though the House cast a strong initial vote in favor of the legislation on Wednesday, the measure required one additional vote to formally clear the chamber. Members gave third reading passage to the bill in a voice vote....

"Vermont legalized the possession and cultivation of cannabis for personal use in 2018, but there is currently no way for consumers to legally purchase marijuana. The current bill would resolve that by establishing a commercial cannabis market in the state, creating various categories of business licenses, and setting tax rates on legal sales.

"Because the Senate already approved S. 54 — with a veto-proof majority — last year during the first half of the two-year legislative session, House and Senate leaders are now expected to appoint members to a bicameral conference committee to reconcile differences between the two bodies’ versions of the legislation....

"It’s not exactly clear what Scott will do when the final legislation arrives on his desk. He had initially vetoed a noncommercial legalization bill lawmakers passed in 2017 but, after garnering concessions on certain provisions, signed a revised version into law early in 2018. Following the House vote on Thursday, the governor said he’s not satisfied with how the legislation that emerged from the House would require police to obtain a warrant before doing a saliva test....

"That said, top lawmakers and an administration official recently indicated that the governor is “at the table” in discussions about the latest reform move and would be open to using cannabis tax revenue to fund an after-school program he’s pushing. During Wednesday’s earlier floor consideration, an amendment was approved to explicitly provide funding for such an initiative.

"'The House has bent over backwards to address the various issues that Gov. Scott has raised with the legislation,' Dave Silberman, an attorney and pro bono drug policy reform advocate, told Marijuana Moment. '“It appears the only remaining area of disagreement is the governor’s insistence on a warrantless saliva test that would blatantly violate the people’s rights enshrined in Vermont Constitution,” he said. “I hope that as the governor learns more about our Constitution, he will see why his position is untenable.'"

"Vermont residents are strongly in favor of the general reform move, according to a poll released earlier this month by the Marijuana Policy Project. That survey showed that about three-in-four Vermonters support allowing adults to purchase marijuana 'from regulated, taxpaying small businesses.'

"In neighboring New Hampshire, the House approved a bill last week that would create a policy similar to what Vermont currently has, allowing adults to possess and cultivate marijuana for personal use without a retail component."

Read more: https://www.marijuanamoment.net/bill-to-legalize-marijuana-sales-officially-passes-vermont-house-of-representatives/

VT governor endorses Weld for GOP nomination

Vermont Gov. Phil Scott endorses Bill Weld for Republican presidential nomination - POLITICO - Evan Simones:

February 15, 2020 - "Vermont Gov. Phil Scott on Saturday said he'll back Bill Weld for the 2020 Republican presidential nomination, an endorsement the Weld campaign touted as the first sitting Republican governor to publicly oppose President Donald Trump's reelection. In a press conference, first reported by Vermont's WPTZ, Scott announced his decision to back the fellow Republican and former Massachusetts governor.

“'I've met with him before, I think a lot of him and his platform so I would be supporting him,' Scott said.

"Weld, who was the vice presidential nominee on the 2016 Libertarian Party ticket with former New Mexico Gov. Gary Johnson, took to Twitter soon after the announcement to thank Scott for his support.

“'I’m a great admirer of @GovPhilScott of Vermont, and am delighted to have his endorsement in the Republican presidential primary on Super Tuesday,' Weld said. 'VT has been well served in the past by Republican governors, and Gov. Scott admirably extends that tradition.'

"Scott, a frequent critic of Trump, said in January that Trump 'abused his powers' and shouldn’t be in office after the Senate voted to acquit the president on the two articles of impeachment brought against him by the House....

"The former Massachusetts governor — now the only remaining Republican vying to unseat Trump after former Reps. Joe Walsh and Mark Sanford ended their campaigns — has received several endorsements from within his party, including ... former New Jersey Gov. Christine Christine Todd Whitman."

Read more: https://www.politico.com/news/2020/02/15/phil-scott-endorses-bill-weld-gop-115375
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Vermont governor signs cannabis legalization bill

Vermont Governor Signs Marijuana Legalization Into Law - Tom Angell, Forbes:

January 22, 2018 - "Vermont is officially the ninth state to legalize marijuana, and the first to end cannabis prohibition through an act of lawmakers.

"'I personally believe that what adults do behind closed doors and on private property is their choice, so long as it does not negatively impact the health and safety of others, especially children,' Gov. Phil Scott (R) said in a statement accompanying a legalization bill he signed into law on Monday.

"Under the legislation ... people over 21 years of age will be allowed to legally possess up to one ounce of marijuana and grow as many as two mature and four immature cannabis plants. Commercial marijuana sales will not be allowed under the new law ... set to take effect on July 1....

"Vermont’s legislative move signals a milestone in the evolving politics of marijuana. Polls consistently show majority voter support for legalization, and more politicians are beginning to see the issue as a winning one they should embrace rather than run away from.

"State lawmakers approved the legislation earlier this month, just days after U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions moved to rescind Obama-era guidance that has generally allowed states to implement their own marijuana laws without federal interference....

"Now that the bill allowing possession and home cultivation has been signed into law in Vermont, supporters appear ready to keep pressing toward full-scale commercial legalization.

"'It’s up to citizens across the state whether or not we see a bill like that pass this year with their participation in the process,' Lt. Gov. David Zuckerman (Progressive) said at a press conference earlier this month. 'I would like to see that. I think every year we go by not doing it, we are perpetuating the underground, unregulated, unjust system that we have today while other states are moving forward.'

" The Senate approved bills to allow legal marijuana sales last year and in 2016, but they didn’t gain traction in the House, which favored the noncommercial approach. "

Read more: https://www.forbes.com/sites/tomangell/2018/01/22/vermont-governor-signs-marijuana-legalization-into-law/#2c147e93526a
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Vermont House passes compromise cannabis bill

Vt. House gives marijuana bill a clear path to governor's desk - April McCullum, Burlington Free Press:

January 4, 2018 - "The Vermont House of Representatives has signed off on the marijuana legalization bill that was crafted as a compromise after Gov. Phil Scott's veto.

"The bill would allow adults 21 and older to possess up to one ounce of marijuana and grow their own plants at home. H. 511 would not create a legal market for marijuana in Vermont, nor would it impose any taxes.

"The Senate already passed a version of the bill last summer but will need to approve the House's decision to remove a study commission. After that final review, the bill will move to the governor's desk.

"Lawmakers spent hours Thursday debating the bill, which was widely expected to pass. Supporters staved off a series of attempts to slow the legislation and rejected several last-minute amendments that would have substantially changed the bill.

"House members first rejected a Republican-led effort to delay the vote until the governor's Marijuana Advisory Commission issues its next report on Jan. 15 about preventing youth drug use, detecting impaired drivers and other issues....  They later rejected amendments that would have delayed the effective date of legalization to July 1, 2019, or until Vermont State Police adopted a roadside test for impairment.

?'This is a thoughtful, incremental approach to marijuana legalization,' House Majority Leader Jill Krowinski, D-Burlington, said in a statement after the bill passed Thursday evening. /We're proud to be the first state in the nation to pass marijuana legalization without the pressure of a public referendum.'"

Read more: http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/story/news/politics/government/2018/01/04/vermont-house-vote-marijuana-legalization-thursday/1003206001/
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Vermont governor vetoes cannabis legalization

Vermont governor vetoes marijuana legalization | TheHill - Reid Wilson:

May 24, 2017 - "Vermont Gov. Phil Scott (R) has vetoed legislation that would have legalized marijuana for recreational use.... Scott told reporters during a press conference Wednesday that ... he would ask the legislature to make changes to the bill.

"'I’m not philosophically opposed to ending the prohibition on marijuana,' Scott said, according to local news outlets.

"Vermont legislators are unlikely to override Scott’s veto of the measure, which passed by only a narrow margin.

"Legalization advocates took solace in Scott’s comments, which they said could lead to a new bill as early as July.

"'We are disappointed by the governor’s decision to veto this widely supported legislation, but we are very encouraged by the governor’s offer to work with legislators to pass a legalization bill during the summer veto session,' said Matt Simon, a spokesman for the Marijuana Policy Project. 'Lawmakers have an opportunity to address the governor’s concerns and pass a revised bill this summer, and we are excited about its prospects.'

"The Vermont legislature's passage of the bill was a landmark moment in the growing trend toward loosening marijuana laws. The state's lawmakers were the first in the nation to send a bill legalizing pot to a governor’s desk. The other eight states where marijuana is legal all passed their measures through citizen initiatives."

"'The fact that a bill even ended up on the governor's desk signals a new phase of the marijuana legalization movement,' said Tom Angell, founder of the pro-legalization group Marijuana Majority. 'Our momentum has now reached a point where the issue has become so popular with voters at the ballot box that more politicians are feeling comfortable enough to grapple with it themselves.'"

Read more: http://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/334958-vermont-governor-vetoes-marijuana-legalization
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Vermont House passes cannabis legalization bill

Vermont May Become 9th Recreational Marijuana State If Gov. Phil Scott Signs Bill - Janice Williams, Newsweek: 

May 11, 2017 - "Vermont’s House of Representatives has passed a measure that would legalize recreational marijuana. If Gov. Phil Scott, a Republican, signs the law, Vermont would become the ninth state to legalize adult use of marijuana.

"The passing of the bill, which was approved in a 79-66 vote Wednesday, according to Reuters, marks the first recreational marijuana measure to be approved by a state’s legislature. The other eight recreational pot states—Colorado, Washington, Oregon, California, Massachusetts, Maine, Nevada, Alaska— plus Washington D.C., introduced legal marijuana programs following public votes.

"If Scott doesn’t veto the bill, starting July 2018 adults in Vermont will not only be able to consume marijuana legally but people 21 and older would be allowed to grow up to two mature marijuana plants at a time. Possession of up to one ounce of marijuana would also be legal.

"A nine-person team of researchers also is commissioned to conduct a study to determine the best ways to regulate and tax sales of the plant, as well.

However, it is unclear if Scott will sign the bill. The governor has been vocal about his stance on marijuana, telling reporters in 2016 that 'right now' wasn’t the time for Vermont to be legalizing recreational pot. A spokeswoman for Scott, Rebecca Kelley, told Reuters in a statement that the governor wanted to make sure public safety and health concerns are addressed before singing [sic] the bill into law....

"'The Legislature has taken a crucial step toward ending the failed policy of marijuana prohibition. There is no rational reason to continue punishing adults for consuming a substance that is safer than alcohol,' Matt Simon, political director of the New England chapter of pro-legalization group Marijuana Policy Project (MPP), said in a statement issued to Newsweek....

"Vermont would be the third East Coast state to pass recreational marijuana legislation, if Scott signs off on the law. However, nearby in Connecticut and Rhode Island, legislators also are considering adopting similar adult-use laws. In April, lawmakers in Rhode Island had their first legislative meeting on the topic of legalizing recreational pot while Connecticut’s Senate Judiciary Committee also hosted a public hearing regarding a bill that made adult use legal back in March."

Read more: http://www.newsweek.com/marijuana-vermont-legal-states-recreational-phil-scott-607891
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Cannabis legalization back on table in Vermont

Vermont Bill Aims to Legalize Recreational Cannabis in 2017 - Merry Jane - Tyler Koslow:

February 2, 2017 - "On Wednesday, a new bill was introduced to the Vermont House that would allow adults in the state to possess up to 2 ounces of marijuana without penalty, eliminating the civil fine that is currently in place. The measure, entitled H. 170, would also allow residents to grow up to two mature plants and seven seedlings on their private property.

"The bill co-sponsored by three members of the House Judiciary Committee leadership team, including Rep. Maxine Grad of Moretown (D), Rep. Chip Conquest of Newbury (D), and Tom Burditt of West Rutland (R). While Grad and Conquest are focused on providing residents with the ability to legally grow their own cannabis, their Republican counterpart looks at the new bill as an opportunity for taxpayers to save money....

"The proposal is much more restrictive than the recreational bill that was shot down in the House last year, which would have created a retail-based system similar to the one in Colorado. But still, H. 170 offers the state a major opportunity to eliminate criminal and civil fines for marijuana possession.

"Under the current law in Vermont, possession of up to 1 ounce of cannabis comes with a civil fine of up to $200, while 1 to 2 ounces could potentially result in six months in jail. At the start of the year, parting Governor Peter Shumlin pardoned hundreds of Vermonters that were convicted of marijuana-related violations."

Read more: https://www.merryjane.com/news/vermont-bill-aims-recreational-cannabis-legalization
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Vermont House kills cannabis legalization

Vermont’s marijuana legalization dreams go up in smoke - Watchdog.org - Bruce Parker:

May 3, 2016 - "Efforts at legalizing recreational marijuana use and cultivation in Vermont went up in smoke Tuesday....  In a marathon session that began in the morning and lasted until nearly 6 p.m., House members considered a range of proposals for legalizing and decriminalizing pot.

Starting with the Senate-approved S.241, a bill that devised a regulatory structure to grow and sell pot in retail outlets beginning in January 2018, the House voted 121-28 to strike that language from an unrelated criminal procedures bill and replace it with a compromise amendment to decriminalize cultivation of two cannabis plants for personal use....

"With commercialization off the table, members spent the rest of the day debating the compromise amendment presented by state Rep. Chip Conquest, D-Newbury. In addition to decriminalizing two plants, the amendment proposed the creation of a study commission and education programs for curbing drug use....  Under the amendment, a civil penalty for public possession of more than one ounce of marijuana was set at $100 for the first offense. Harvesting more than two plants would incur a $300 penalty.

"As the House prepared to vote, Minority Leader Don Turner, R-Milton, offered to strike the compromise amendment and instead let voters decide on whether or not to legalize marijuana for recreational use. Turner’s plan proposed a non-binding referendum during the 2016 primary election.... The House rejected Turner’s amendment by a 97-51 vote that fell largely along partisan lines.

"The proposal to decriminalize two plants seemed to have momentum until state Rep. Cynthia Browning, D-Arlington, began asking how many joints the plants would produce. At first the number was 1,280 joints, taken from 32 ounces of marijuana....

"The number of joints kept growing. Figures produced from the Vermont State Police said two pot plants could, at the high end, produce more than 4 pounds of marijuana in 120 days, resulting in a possible 4,830 joints....

"The lengthy inquiry exploded the proposal and caused a legislative meltdown that lasted the rest of the day.... Two-plant decriminalization failed by a vote of 77-70."

Read more: http://watchdog.org/264236/marijuana-legalization-dreams-go-up-in-smoke/
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Vermont Senate approves marijuana legalization

Legal recreational marijuana clears final Vermont Senate hurdle | Local News - WPTZ 5 - Stewart Ledbetter:

February 26, 2016 - "The Vermont Senate gave final approval Thursday to a bill to legalize recreational marijuana, starting in 2018.... The final vote was 17-12....

"Under the legislation, Vermont regulators would begin issuing growing licenses in late 2017. Retail sales could begin as early as Jan. 2, 2018.

"Vermont residents 21 and older would be able to purchase up to half an ounce of marijuana for personal use. Non-residents would be able to purchase a fourth of an ounce.  It would be legal to possess up to 1 ounce of marijuana.

"The Senate rejected amendments Thursday to delay legalization implementation to 2019, but approved adding health warnings to marijuana packaging that would be similar to the warnings on cigarettes.

"Home-grown marijuana and edible marijuana products would remain illegal under the current bill.

"S.241 now moves to the House of Representatives where the Judiciary Committee is expected to begin its review the week of March 14.

"House Speaker Shap Smith said he generally favors moving to a tightly regulated system of marijuana sales but is not sure how many House members agree and he is making no predictions....

"Backers say S. 241 will drive illicit drug dealers out of the state because state-licensed and tested marijuana will be available legally to adults at a lower price.

"Revenue from the 25 percent sales tax of recreational marijuana would be used for drug treatment centers and hiring additional law enforcement officers for highway patrols. .

"The Senate bill would likely generate $30-40 million in new tax revenue annually, Sen. Dick Sears said Thursday.

"A survey found 80,000 Vermonters now regularly use recreational marijuana, much of it purchased from black market drug dealers who often peddle harder drugs, too.

"Gov. Peter Shumlin said he supports legalization and calls the Senate reform bill  'a much smarter approach.'"

Read more: http://www.wptz.com/news/legal-recreational-marijuana-clears-final-vermont-senate-hurdle/38192194
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Marijuana legalization efforts across New England

New England 2016 is a Marijuana Legalization Hotbed [FEATURE] | StoptheDrugWar.org - P.S. Smith:

February 17, 2016 - "No state east of the Mississippi has legalized marijuana, but that's very likely to change this year, and New England will be leading the way. Two of the six New England states will likely let the voters make the call in November, while the others all have legalization bills pending.

"More Western states will likely legalize it this year, including the nation's most populous, California, as well as Arizona and Nevada.... Another possible legalization state this year is Michigan.... But it's Yankee country that will see the most concentrated regional push toward marijuana legalization.... Initiatives that make the ballot will go before New England populations that are showing majority support for legalization [and] the region also appears poised to produce the first state to free the weed through the legislature....

 "Connecticut. Earlier this month, Rep. Juan Candelaria (D-New Haven) introduced House Bill 5209, which would allow adults to use, grow, and sell marijuana. Candelaria introduced a similar bill last year that went nowhere....

"Maine. The legalization initiative from the Campaign to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol has not yet officially qualified for the ballot, but is poised to. On February 1, the campaign turned in more than 103,000 raw signatures from its petition drive. It only needs 61,000 valid voter signatures to qualify for the November ballot.... The most recent of Mainers' attitudes toward marijuana legalization, from the spring of 2015, had support at 65%.

 "Massachusetts. The legalization initiative from the Campaign to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol has already qualified for the ballot, but under Massachusetts law, the legislature must first take up the issue. If, as expected, it fails to adopt legalization, the campaign must then collect another 10,000 signatures to place the initiative on the November ballot. It should be able to do that easily ... a 2014 poll had support at 53% and a Boston Globe poll from last year had a dead heat, with 48% in favor, 47% opposed....

"New Hampshire. The House actually passed a legalization bill in 2014, only to see it die in the Senate. This year ... legalization bill, House Bill 1610, is currently before the House Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee. Even if the bill were to pass the House, it faces a tough battle in the Senate....

"Rhode Island. Rep. Scott Slater (D-Providence) said he will file a marijuana legalization bill in the General Assembly last week, and Sen. Joshua Miller (D-Cranston) will file companion legislation in the Senate.... The Senate bill has 17 cosponsors (out of 38 senators), and the House bill has more than 30 cosponsors....

"Vermont. The Green Mountain State is the most likely to actually pass a legalization bill this year. Senate Bill 241, backed by Gov. Peter Shumlin (D), has already passed the Senate Judiciary and Finance committees and is moving toward a Senate floor vote. But the committees have amended the bill to kill home cultivation and to reduce the legalized amount from an ounce to a half ounce. And if and when the bill gets out of the Senate, it still faces a tough battle in the House."

Read more: http://stopthedrugwar.org/chronicle/2016/feb/17/new_england_2016_marijuana_legal
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Vermont marijuana bill clears second committee

Vermont Marijuana Legalization Bill Clears Second Committee - Thomas H. Clarke, Daily Chronic:

February 12, 2016 - "A widely supported bill that could make Vermont the first state in the nation to legalize marijuana through the state legislature received approval from a second Senate committee on Friday.

"The Vermont Senate Committee on Finance voted 6 to 1 to approve Senate Bill 241, which would make it legal for adults 21 years of age and older in Vermont to possess up to one ounce of marijuana. The bill would also establish a tightly controlled system of licensed marijuana cultivation sites, testing facilities, and retail stores.

"Before voting on the bill, the Finance Committee adopted a 25% tax rate that would be applied to retail marijuana sales.  The 25% sales is similar to taxes imposed in Oregon and Colorado, and is significantly less than Washington state’s 37% tax rate.

"Under the proposal, home cultivation and sales of edible marijuana products would not be allowed initially.  The bill would create a study commission to explore those issues at a later time.

"Senate Bill 241, which can be read in full here, next moves to the Senate Committee on Appropriations for consideration before being sent to the floor of the Senate for a vote.

"A vote on the bill by the full Senate is expected within the next couple weeks.  The bill is expected to pass, although it remains a work in progress and could see additional amendments prior to final passage.

"Last month, Vermont Governor Peter Shumlin (D) called upon the state legislature to pass the 'right bill' to legalize marijuana in Vermont, and making it a top priority of the legislature. Shumlin outlined five specific requirements any marijuana legalization bill should contain before he signs it....

"Legalizing marijuana in Vermont has strong support among Vermont voters, with recent polls showing 57% support.  A study released in 2015 by the Rand Corporation found that Vermont could generate upwards of  $75 million per year in taxes from legalizing marijuana.

"If approved, the new law would not take effect until January 2018."

Read more: http://www.thedailychronic.net/2016/53602/vermont-marijuana-legalization-bill-clears-second-committee/
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Vermont governor backs marijuana legalization bill

Will Vermont fully legalize marijuana? Gov supports new bill - Associated Press / The Cannabist:

January 26, 2015 - "Gov. Peter Shumlin and the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee have announced legislation 'to cautiously and deliberately' legalize recreational marijuana in Vermont.

"Sen. Richard Sears, a Democrat, said Tuesday that the bill would remove the civil penalties for possession of an ounce or less of marijuana for those over 21 but also provide for enhanced penalties for people over 21 who furnish alcohol or marijuana to minors....

"'The war on drugs has failed when it comes to marijuana prohibition,' Shumlin said in a statement on the governor’s website. 'Under the status quo, marijuana use is widespread, Vermonters have little difficulty procuring it for personal use, and the shadows of prohibition make it nearly impossible to address key issues like prevention, keeping marijuana out of the hands of minors, and dealing with those driving under the influence who are already on Vermont’s roads. The system has failed.

"'The question for us is how do we deal with that failure. Vermont can take a smarter approach that regulates marijuana in a thoughtful way, and this bill provides a framework for us to do that.'"

"Shumlin outlined five legalization principles in his State of the State Address....

• A legal market must keep marijuana and other drugs out of the hands of underage kids.... 
• The tax imposed must be low enough to wipe out the black market and get rid of the illegal drug dealers
• Revenue from legalization must be used to expand addiction prevention programs.
• Law enforcement’s capacity to improve the response to impaired drivers under the influence of marijuana who are already on Vermont’s roads must be strengthened.
• The sale of edibles must be prohibited at first." 

Read more: http://www.thecannabist.co/2016/01/26/vermont-governor-legislative-leader-announce-marijuana-legalization-bill/47220/
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Marijuana legalization bill in Vermont senate

Vermont Could Be Next State To Legalize Recreational Marijuana - Matt Ferner, Huffington Post:

February 17, 2015 -"Vermont could become the first state in history to legalize recreational marijuana via state legislature with a new bill submitted Tuesday that aims to end prohibition of the plant.

"Senate Bill 95 would legalize the possession, use and sale of recreational marijuana in the state for those 21 and older. Adult residents could possess up to an ounce of marijuana and grow up to nine plants (two mature, seven immature) for personal use, including any additional marijuana produced by those plants. Personal cultivation would be limited to secure indoor facilities.

"Non-residents could also enjoy the new laws, legally purchasing up to one-quarter of an ounce of marijuana from a licensed retail shop.

"The bill also proposes an excise tax of $40 per ounce of marijuana flower, $15 per ounce of any other marijuana product and a $25 tax on each immature cannabis plant sold by a cultivator.

"Forty percent of revenue brought in through marijuana taxation would be earmarked for substance abuse treatment services; public education programs about the risks of using various drugs; law enforcement; and academic and medical research on the plant.

"Marijuana would remain banned from being smoked in public.

"A Marijuana Control Board would be established to oversee the state industry and enforce regulations....

"If the measure passes, it's likely that Vermont Gov. Peter Shumlin (D) would sign it into law.

"'My bias ... is toward legalization,' Shumlin said in January. 'Let’s remember, we have this conversation and we pretend that you can’t get marijuana now. In the real world, folks, if you want to get marijuana in Vermont, we’re in Lala Land if we’re pretending you can’t. The question is how do we move to a smarter approach that doesn’t promote addiction, that doesn’t promote abuse and really accepts the reality'."

Read more: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/02/17/vermont-marijuana-legalization_n_6662426.html
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Vermont Libertarian candidate joins Republicans

Libertarian gubernatorial candidate Dan Feliciano joins Republican Party - VTDigger - Tom Brown:

January 14, 2015 -"The third-place finisher in the race for Vermont governor is switching parties.

"Dan Feliciano, who received 8,428 votes (4.4 percent) in November, is leaving the Libertarian Party to become a Republican, he said Wednesday.

"Feliciano, 51, said he has much in common with the Vermont GOP and said its larger base would give him a better chance to win in 2016.

"Feliciano, who was vice chairman of the state Libertarian Party, said he was interested in another run for governor but might consider vying for a lower statewide office....

"Feliciano brought media attention to the Vermont Libertarian Party by seeking the Republican nomination via a write-in campaign in the August primary. That bid fell short as Scott Milne easily won the GOP spot on the November ballot.

"The move caused friction among Libertarians, some of whom bristled at Feliciano’s attempt to run on both tickets. Some Republicans also criticized his attempt while others embraced his candidacy as an alternative to Milne....

"During his campaign, Feliciano was a strong opponent of Democratic Gov. Peter Shumlin’s plan for publicly financed health care at a time when Milne was wavering on the issue. That resonated with many Republican voters who share Libertarian views on small government and fiscal restraint."

Read more: http://vtdigger.org/2015/01/14/libertarian-gubernatorial-candidate-dan-feliciano-joins-republican-party/
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VT Libertarian Feliciano "not a fringe candidate"

Libertarian Dan Feliciano Makes a Bid for Vermont’s Highest Office | Politics | Seven Days | Vermont's Independent Voice - Kevin J. Kelley:

October 22, 2014 - "Libertarian gubernatorial candidate Dan Feliciano exceeded expectations when he collected 14 percent of the vote as a late-starting write-in candidate in the Republican primary. In a Vermont Public Radio debate the following month, the 51-year-old business-efficiency expert struck some listeners as better-informed and more articulate than Scott Milne, the candidate who had won the Republican gubernatorial primary."

"Feliciano comes across as unthreatening, nondogmatic and, in the view of political scientist and retired Middlebury College professor Eric Davis, 'not a fringe candidate.' His aim to be seen as more of a mainstream conservative than a radical right-winger has been steadied by endorsements from a few Vermont GOP standouts: party vice-chair Brady Toensing, treasurer Mark Snelling and Darcie Johnston, manager of Randy Brock's 2012 campaign for governor....

"Feliciano wants to slash taxes and shrink bureaucracy. He said he'd make a start toward those twin goals by eliminating the surcharge on electricity bills that finances Efficiency Vermont. That statewide energy-conservation entity operates on an annual budget of $45 million but produces "zero value" for Vermonters, according to Feliciano....

"Feliciano would also permanently unplug Vermont Health Connect, the state-sponsored website that is supposed to enable Vermonters to buy affordable insurance policies.... Feliciano's hostility toward Vermont Health Connect squares with his sworn opposition to Shumlin's plan to introduce a single-payer health insurance system in Vermont. Estimated price tag: $2 billion. The Libertarian's flat-out rejection of single payer is a key reason why Johnston, an ardent campaigner against Shumlin's proposal, has gone to work for Feliciano rather than for Milne, who has refused to denounce single payer."

Read more: http://www.sevendaysvt.com/vermont/libertarian-dan-feliciano-makes-a-bid-for-vermonts-highest-office/Content?oid=2460214
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Feliciano loses GOP primary, still in as Libertarian

Vermont primary reveals dissent against establishment gubernatorial candidates « Watchdog.org - Bruce Parker, Vermont Watchdog:

August 27, 2014 - "In a primary election marked by low voter turnout and scores of unchallenged races, Vermont’s major party establishment candidates saw significant protest votes....

"On the Republican side of the aisle, moderate establishment candidate Scott Milne won the support of 72 percent of the vote, but not without a serious threat from Libertarian Dan Feliciano, who mounted a last-minute write-in campaign to be the Republican Party nominee for governor.

"Practically unknown until one month ago, Feliciano went viral on the Internet after blasting Shumlin on single-payer and taxes. As of Wednesday morning, the Keurig Green Mountain employee from Essex had garnered more than 2,000 votes of the total 14,000 votes cast on the Republican ticket.

"Far from viewing the primary as a loss, Feliciano said his write-in tallies prove he now has the name recognition to share a stage with establishment party candidates Shumlin and Milne — yet as a third party candidate.

"'I’ll continue on as the Libertarian candidate carrying the flag of stopping single payer, reducing costs, promoting school choice and reducing property taxes,' Feliciano told Vermont Watchdog. 'I’ll continue onward with my message and put on a good battle and go head-to-head with Peter Shumlin. I’ll still carry the flag, and I’ll continue with the ground force I have that’s growing every day.'

"Feliciano became an overnight social media sensation after strongly opposing Shumlin’s single-payer health care agenda. Under single-payer, the government — not private insurance companies — would pay all health care costs for all Vermonters using taxpayer dollars....The Libertarian has developed major viral buzz on Facebook and Twitter, and even garnered national attention from The Blaze. His campaign even won significant endorsements from the vice chair and treasurer of the Vermont Republican Party."

Read more: http://watchdog.org/167374/vermont-primary-shumlin/
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Vermont LP candidate runs for GOP nomination

Feliciano's push for GOP votes irks Libertarians: - Terry Hallenbeck, Burlington Free Press:

August 8, 2014 - "Libertarian Dan Feliciano ramped up his push Thursday for getting write-in votes in the Republican primary for governor, but in the process has irked both parties.

"Feliciano, 51, of Essex, held a news conference on the green in downtown Waterbury to urge voters to write his name in on the Republican primary ballot Aug. 26. Feliciano said he will more directly challenge incumbent Democrat Peter Shumlin over key issues, including health care and state spending. Feliciano said one his priorities is putting a stop to Shumlin's plans for single-payer government-funded health coverage....

"He called for focusing spending on 'core state functions.' He slammed Shumlin's efforts to offer IBM Corp. a freeze on electric rates and the possibility of $4.5 million in incentives as having 'an air of desperation about it.' He also dismissed Shumlin's goal of having 90 percent of the state's energy come from renewable sources by 2050 as 'economically dangerous and altogether ridiculous.' He said global warming, if it happens, will hold down Vermonters' heating bills and extend the growing season.

"Feliciano said his push for the write-in campaign stemmed from interest among Republicans looking for a candidate to challenge Shumlin on his health care plans. Joining Feliciano at Thursday's news conference was Republican political consultant Darcie Johnston, who served as campaign manager for unsuccessful Republican gubernatorial candidate Randy Brock in 2012 and founder of the advocacy group Vermonters for Health Care Freedom."

Read more: http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/story/news/local/2014/08/07/governor-write/13740701/
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Vermont Libertarian drawing Republican interest

Libertarian candidate draws GOP interest - Terri Hallenbeck, Burlington Free Press:

July 29, 2014 - "Dan Feliciano, ... 51, has made a career as a business consultant creating efficiencies for firms such as Cigna and Aetna health care, IBM, Travelers Insurance and the Medical College of Virginia. He's now employed by Keurig Green Mountain in Waterbury, where his job involves improving production efficiency.

"When he's done working he still likes to talk efficiency. Feliciano would like to put his 'hobby' to use in making state government more efficient, cutting spending and lowering taxes. The father of three is running for governor as the Libertarian Party candidate....

"This is Feliciano's second try for governor, having run in 2010 as an independent who won 1,341 votes, or .6 percent of the total. This year is different, he said. He's won the nomination of the Libertarian Party and is drawing interest from voters typically aligned with other parties, including Republicans looking for a candidate to condemn incumbent Democrat Peter Shumlin's plans to create a government-run health coverage system....

"Feliciano's condemnation of a single-payer system appeals to some Republicans who are frustrated by the delays, technology problems and cost of the insurance exchange that Shumlin implemented this year as part of the federal Affordable Care Act. He also appeals to those who fear Shumlin's pending plans to create government-financed coverage.

"'I see people responding favorably to that,' said Mark Snelling, the Republican Party treasurer and son of former Gov. Richard Snelling and Lt. Gov. Barbara Snelling....

"Patricia Crocker, a Republican State Committee member from Essex, is supporting Feliciano and urging fellow Republicans to vote for him as a write-in candidate in the Republican primary. 'I believe that his extensive experience in health care and effective budgeting are just what Vermont needs at this time — and represent the two key issues that unite Republicans,' she said.

Read more: http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/story/news/politics/2014/07/27/libertarian-candidate-courts-gop-interest/13188577/
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LP candidate for VT Governor promises mofongo

A Libertarian Latino Is Running For Vermont Governor, Would Celebrate With Mofongo | Fox News Latino - Elizabeth Llorente:

June 16, 2014 - "One of Vermont’s gubernatorial candidates says, jokingly, that if he wins, he will give out 'mofongo' to celebrate – that’s Spanish for a Puerto Rican mashed fried plantain dish.

"Dan Feliciano is the Libertarian Party nominee who is running on a platform that is, in a way, a mofongo of Republican and Democrat positions on various issues.

"The New York-born business consultant cites as priorities cutting taxes, bringing down spending, retaining businesses, and legalizing marijuana, among other things.

"'My platform is 80 percent of the Democratic platform and 80 percent of the Republican platform,' Feliciano said to Fox News Latino.

"His campaign website says he strongly believes 'that the government should not interfere with our personal freedoms … People should be empowered AND accountable to live the lives they chose.'"

Read more: http://latino.foxnews.com/latino/politics/2014/06/16/libertarian-latino-running-for-vermont-governor-offers-to-celebrate-with/

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