As part of our VDP blog exclusives, this week I caught up with two more of Vermont’s statewide elected officials, Attorney General Bill Sorrell and Secretary of State Jim Condos. With a high number of legislation and policy initiatives heating up in the legislature, the VDP gives you the inside scoop on the legislative priorities of our officials.
Part of the reason why H.99, the equal pay bill, was so important to Sorrell was because “…it’s not only the right thing to do, it’s the law.” Sorrell noted how his Civil Rights Unit enforces anti-discrimination law that is currently part of employment statutes. However, existing law needed to be beefed up.
Condos says he’s chief concern this session are campaign finance reform and enhancing the integrity of Vermont’s elections. He believes that the unprecedented barrage from Vermonters First last fall isn’t something that Vermonters are comfortable with.
The Secretary of State notes that because of the Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision, limiting the spending of Super PACs is, unfortunately, off the table. That’s why, Condos says, transparency is the key and that “…the way to the future is a downloadable searchable database.”
Treasurer Pearce’s excellent reputation isn’t just known within Democratic circles. She’s also making waves across Vermont. She’s partnered with legislators to propose legislation that promotes consumer protection.
