Senate standing up for families

To the Editor,
We thank the Vermont Senate for standing up for Vermont families by voting to override the veto of a bill that helps protect children from toxic chemicals, and ensures Vermonters’ drinking water is safe. We were incredibly disappointed to see Gov. Scott side with corporate lobbyists instead of the health of our children when he vetoed S.103. 
 S.103 creates an interagency committee to better manage chemicals, requires new drinking water wells be tested for certain toxic contaminants, and fixes our chemicals of high concern to children program to ensure it will work as intended to inform Vermonters about toxics in their children’s products, and allow the commissioner of health to consider regulating chemicals if they believe it’s necessary to protect our children’s health.
 The governor’s veto message created a false narrative that we need to choose between jobs or toxic-free drinking water and children’s products. We can and should have all. 
 We look forward to working with the Vermont House to move forward on enacting this important legislation to protect our families from harmful chemicals.
Lauren Hierl
Executive Director
Vermont Conservation Voters
Montpelier