Vermont Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas, along with other state officials, criticized the federal SAVE Act that would require proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote. Copeland Hanzas expressed concerns that the bill could disenfranchise millions of Americans, particularly married women who may face challenges in proving their citizenship. Democratic U.S. Rep. Becca Balint also opposed the bill, citing potential barriers for married women. The legislation will now head to the U.S. Senate, where its fate is uncertain due to Republican party dynamics.
In a separate development, wild lake trout have been successfully restored to Lake Champlain after years of conservation efforts by the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department and other agencies. The species, which was severely impacted by overfishing and habitat destruction in the past, has benefited from a restoration program dating back to the 1950s. This success story highlights the importance of conservation efforts in preserving native species.
Additionally, the House passed an education reform bill that proposes significant changes to Vermont’s school governance and finance systems. The bill faced opposition from Republicans and some rural Democrats, but ultimately passed with a vote of 87-55. The legislation aims to implement measures such as school district consolidation, class-size minimums, and a new education funding formula.
Overall, these recent developments showcase the ongoing political and environmental issues in Vermont and the efforts being made to address them.
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