Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott today issued an executive order expressing support for the Ukrainian people and outlining steps the state is taking in response to the Russian invasion of peaceful Ukraine.
“In real time, we’ve watched in horror as Russian forces commit acts of terror on a peaceful nation – one that seeks nothing more than the right to choose its own future,” said Governor Scott. “But the bravery, courage and resolve of the Ukrainian people and its leaders have been incredibly inspiring. I know there is nothing our small state can do alone to change the outcome of what happens over 4,000 miles away, but I think it’s important we do something to show our support for the people of Ukraine in their time of need.”
In addition to removing Russian-made products from Vermont liquor stores, which was announced on Monday, the Governor’s executive order:
- Directs the Secretary of the Agency of Administration and the Commissioner of the Department of Buildings and General Services to review all contracts for the purchase of goods and immediately cease purchases and terminate contracts for the purchase of Russian-sourced goods and goods produced by Russian entities.
- Directs the Secretaries and Commissioners of the Executive Branch to review all contracts for the purchase of goods and immediately cease purchases and terminate contracts for the purchase of Russian-sourced goods and goods produced by Russian entities.
- Requests that, upon their return to session, the General Assembly appropriate $643,077, one dollar for every Vermonter, for humanitarian efforts needed to support the people of Ukraine.
- Rescinds Executive Order 100-91, which established a sister-state relationship between Vermont and Karelia, which is now a federal subject of the Russian Federation. The order also requests that the General Assembly rescind J.R.H. 129 adopted by the Legislature in 1990 (R -157. Joint Resolution Relating to Strengthening Ties with the Peoples of Karelia Within the Soviet Union).
- Calls on any Vermont municipality that has entered into a sister-city/town agreement with a Russian municipality to suspend or terminate such arrangements, until such time as the Russian municipality opposes current Russian policy toward Ukraine and has a government freely and democratically elected by the people of the municipality.
The governor also said he spoke with Treasurer Beth Pearce on divesting the state's pension funds from Russian investments. He said the treasurer had already begun to look into it. Other states, like Rhode Island, also plan to divest.
In response, Speaker of the House Jill Krowinski and Senate President Pro Tem Becca Balint issued the following statement regarding Governor Scott’s proposals to sanction Russia and provide humanitarian aid to Ukraine:
“Like so many Vermonters, we are devastated by the current attack on the Ukrainian people. We are eager to add Vermont’s voice to the global chorus condemning Vladimir Putin’s unprovoked invasion, and lending our support to Ukraine. In a week when we held our annual Town Meeting Day, our beacon of direct democracy, we want to do all we can to show that Vermonters stand with the people of Ukraine and that they are not alone in their fight against authoritarianism. We know that there is only so much we can do here in Vermont, but this is a time to come together and show that an attack on democracy, and the callous killing of innocent civilians, shall not go unaddressed.
“We have had conversations with other legislative leaders, and we are united in both chambers to take immediate legislative action and get humanitarian aid out the door as soon as we return next week.”
The governor also noted during his press briefing today that there are only three Russian vodka brands available in Vermont (they don't include those made elsewhere like Stolichnaya and Smirnoff). He said that state only has about $13,000 worth of such product on the shelves for which the state is on the hook for.
And in any case, Scott said, there are plenty of great vodkas made right here in Vermont.
Click here to view the full executive order.
Governor. 3.3.2022. Montpelier www.vermont.gov