Senate Majority Leader Kesha Ram Hinsdale Responds to Vermonters’ Concerns About Dramatic Federal Overreach

On behalf of the Vermont Senate Democratic Caucus, I want to thank the community members, organizations, and leaders who have reached out in a collective call to action during what is undeniably a moment of great consequence for our democracy. Vermonters have always taken pride in our motto: Freedom and Unity. It’s a reminder that our strength comes from standing together to protect the rights and dignity of all people—especially when those values are under threat.

The concerns raised about federal overreach, attacks on vulnerable communities, and threats to democratic norms are not theoretical—they are real, and they are already being felt across our state and country. Whether it’s immigrants living in fear, transgender Vermonters seeking to live freely and safely, or families worried about losing access to reproductive health care, the stakes could not be higher.

I stand firmly with Vermonters in defending:

• The rights and autonomy of immigrant and LGBTQIA+ communities;

• The freedom to access reproductive health care and make personal decisions without government interference;

• Our First Amendment rights to protest, speak, and advocate;

• Strong environmental protections and climate action;

• Data privacy and personal freedom;

• Vermont’s right to self-govern in the face of any federal efforts that undermine our constitutional values.

We will continue to lead from the front: through policy, through organizing, and through our deep commitment to protecting democracy at every level. Thank you for raising your voices. We hear you, and we stand with you.