Response to Recent Executive Orders

It’s been a chaotic couple weeks and that is the Trump administration’s goal. Chaos is expected to weaken our resolve and while I know it’s causing deep stress for people - we want you to know we are working together to ensure we’ve got Vermonters backs and we will work together on creative policy solutions for anything this administration throws our way. Myself and my colleagues want to remind Vermonters that we will hold strong on our shared values, including the value that a person’s medical decisions are between that person and their provider, not with the government. That our youth should have the opportunity to be their authentic selves and that population health policies help all Vermonters. When we lift up one community, we are lifting up all communities. 

These executive orders represent an all-out assault on our state’s values. The executive order aimed at prohibiting gender-affirming care for transgender minors across the country is an unprecedented overreach in executive power in its attempt to shape medical policy, sparking widespread concern and alarm among medical professionals. Shutting down federal funding, even for just a day, causes unnecessary chaos amongst the vital nonprofits helping our most vulnerable communities. Remember, these EO have to be lawful - and organizations all over the country and in Vermont are watching and acting.
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We all know health care and health insurance systems are in a fragile state here in Vermont and across the country. We also know the Trump administration’s project 2025 plan calls for slashing many of the programs that help Vermonters–programs like Medicaid, health care for seniors, reproductive and gender affirming health care, research, and so much more. With help from our colleagues in the Senate, Treasurer Pieciak and other statewide officers, and our federal delegation, we want all Vermonters, especially our LGBTQ+ youth, to know that we will do everything we can to protect Vermonters' access to the care they need and deserve and protect our health care providers providing that care. 

It’s at times like this that I’m proud to live in Vermont. We will rally around our neighbors, and I encourage people to connect and stay connected to their community. 

To our LGBTQ+ community and all communities impacted by these decisions - no executive order will ever invalidate you as individuals - you are loved and valued.