More Than 100 Vermont Organizations Urge Governor and Legislators to “Speak Up and Take Action” to Defend Democracy

Read the full press release at ACLUVT.org. Below is an excerpt.

A diverse, statewide group of 119 Vermont businesses, nonprofits, and faith communities published an open letter to Governor Scott and state lawmakers today, urging them to use the power of elected office to support and protect Vermonters from harmful and unconstitutional federal actions. The letter comes in response to unprecedented attacks on constitutional rights, state and local government autonomy, and the nation’s civic infrastructure.

Signatories include faith communities; non-profit organizations working in public health, the environment, civil rights, agriculture, and economic development; unions; libraries; and businesses from a wide range of sectors.

Jen Kimmich, CEO and co-founder of The Alchemist Brewery: “Our friends and neighbors are being targeted right now, and people are rightfully scared and upset. We need clear and consistent assurances from our state leaders that they will do all they can to prevent harm to our communities—and we need them to take action in defense of our laws and our values.”

The letter describes an “onslaught of federal overreach,” including “unlawful attacks on immigrants, transgender people, and dissidents; threats to the autonomy of institutions to confront discrimination; the undermining of essential environmental protections; and the destabilization of civic infrastructure on which we all rely.”

Signatories are calling on the governor and state legislators to publicly commit to using the full power of their office to protect Vermont’s immigrant communities; secure the rights of trans people; strengthen abortion access; defend constitutional rights to protest; safeguard privacy; preserve environmental protections; and ensure Vermont’s independence from federal overreach.

The letter cites Vermont traditions of “Freedom and Unity” and the state’s proud history as a leader in defending democratic values. It comes as state policymakers are considering a number of bills that could further strengthen Vermont’s existing protections, and ahead of a Hands Off! state house rally on Saturday at noon in Montpelier, part of a nationwide mass mobilization this weekend.

Jill Martin Diaz, Executive Director, Vermont Asylum Assistance Project: “Vermont has become a leader in advancing civil rights and civil liberties at the state level. There are several bills under consideration this year that would continue in that tradition and counter extreme threats from the federal government. State leaders recognize the urgency of the situation, and we ask that they prioritize these necessary protections for vulnerable Vermonters.”