Bob Kinzel

Host, Reporter @vprnet; #RedSox fan

[Bob Kinzel @VPRKinzel]

Leg leaders say they're disappointed that Gov Scott has vetoed the session's top Climate Change initiative. They say they've met his requirement that lawmakers vote on a final plan before it goes into effect - but Scott disagrees - maybe an override effort next week? #vtpoli

[Bob Kinzel @VPRKinzel]

Gov Scott has vetoed a bill that environmental groups feel is the most important of the session because it helps Vermont meet its climate change goals.

Scott says the bill doesn't ensure that lawmakers vote on the PUC plan before it goes into place.

Override effort ? #vtpoli

[Bob Kinzel @VPRKinzel]

Battle over state pension reform bill that deals with multi billion $ shortfall. Gov Scott wants to include a Defined Contribution option ( like a 401 k ) for new workers but Dem leaders say the issue must have a fiscal impact study first - Scott suggests a possible veto #vtpoli

[Bob Kinzel @VPRKinzel]

State wins approval to illuminate the Bennington Battle Monument beginning on Monday night to show solidarity for the people of Ukraine. The monument will be bathed in the Ukrainian colors of blue and yellow for the next 6 weeks. #vtpoli

[Bob Kinzel @VPRKinzel]

Historic day at Vt Supreme Court: Judge Nancy Waples is sworn in as the 1st woman of color to serve on the Court. She was nominated by Gov Scott + confirmed by the Senate on a 27-0 vote. Chief Justice Rieber noted how different Vt and Congress consider these nominations #vtpoli

[Bob Kinzel @VPRKinzel]

SOS Condos says mail in voting for August primary will be different from 2020. That's when his office sent out postcards to all voters with postage free return cards to request a ballot. He says no COVID $ means voters will need to request a mail in ballot on their own #vtpoli

[Bob Kinzel @VPRKinzel]

Vt House passes bill that updates Vermont's Patient Choice at the End of Life Law that originally passed in 2013. The bill allows for the use of tele-medicine services when patients consult with their doctors about using this process - Senate has passed similar bill #vtpoli

[Bob Kinzel @VPRKinzel]

James Pepper - the head of the Vt Cannabis Board says the biggest challenge facing the state's plan to open its retail marketplace this fall hinges on the Board being able to fill about a dozen critical positions very soon.
These positions were only authorized last month #vtpoli

[Bob Kinzel @VPRKinzel]

Gov Phil Scott is among folks over 50 wondering if they should get a 2nd COVID booster.

The CDC has "approved" it but isn't "recommending" it.

Scott wonders if he should wait- "until maybe later in the summer/fall so I'm better protected when we come back indoors." #vtpoli

[Bob Kinzel @VPRKinzel]

Sen Patrick Leahy is urging his GOP colleagues to support the nomination of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the U.S. Supreme Court to show that the Senate can rise above "the tired tribalism that's infected virtually every corner of our political system." #vtpoli
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[Bob Kinzel @VPRKinzel]

Bennington Battle Monument could soon be bathed in blue and gold lights to show solidarity for the people of Ukraine in these difficult times. Federal Aviation officials have just approved of the plan + Gov Scott strongly supports it - lights could be up in 10 days #vtpoli

[Bob Kinzel @VPRKinzel]

U.S. House votes to legalize cannabis. Rep. Welch voted for the bill which includes expungement process for cannabis criminal offenses and it opens up the fed banking system to cannabis businesses - Senate Democrats say it's a priority but it could face a GOP filibuster #vtpoli

[Bob Kinzel @VPRKinzel]

Vt Senate unanimously passes BIG pension reform bill for state employees and teachers designed to reduce multi billion dollar unfunded liability. State uses $200m in fed funds, and $30m a year in state $, worker premiums rise based on salaries but benefits remain stable. #vtpoli

[Bob Kinzel @VPRKinzel]

Vt Senate fails to override Gov Scott's veto of Brattleboro charter change allowing 16+17 year olds to vote and be on the Select Board. Effort failed after questions were raised that 16+17 year olds can't legally sign contracts and they might need to as Board members ! #vtpoli

[Bob Kinzel @VPRKinzel]

Vt Senate passes omnibus housing bill that's designed to create thousands of affordable units in the state. It uses $20 M of ARPA funds.
It includes denser zoning in downtown areas, tax credits for 1st time homeowners and $ to convert biz properties to residential use #vtpoli

[Bob Kinzel @VPRKinzel]

Many small cannabis growers seem to want to be part of Vermont's new legal system. Cannabis chairman James Pepper says his office has already received nearly 300 applications from small cultivators and these could meet at least half of the state's overall cannabis demand #vtpoli

[Bob Kinzel @VPRKinzel]

Congressman Peter Welch says Russia's invasion of Ukraine will have a long lasting and highly negative impact on the relationship between NATO countries and Russia for generations to come because of the numerous "war crimes" committed by Russia #vtpoli

[Bob Kinzel @VPRKinzel]

Sen Patrick Leahy - as chairman of the Senate Appropriations committee - says he will do all that he can to make certain that Ukrainian refugee programs have sufficient funding in the coming weeks + that his office is ready to help Vermont groups bring some refugees here #vtpoli

[Bob Kinzel @VPRKinzel]

Sen Patrick Leahy says economic sanctions imposed against Russia for invading Ukraine should remain in place long after any ceasefire is reached to hold Russia "accountable for numerous war crimes" including the deliberate bombing of hospitals, schools and shelters #vtpoli

[Bob Kinzel @VPRKinzel]

GOP U.S. Senate candidate Christina Nolan says she would break with her party and vote to confirm Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Many GOP senators, including minority leader Mitch McConnell, have announced their opposition to the nomination.

#vtpoli