Vermont's governor just announced some very important news that's bound to make millions of concerned consumers around the country - very happy. The small New England state seems to be on a dynamic roll these days.
Last week Vermont became the first state to pass a Joint Resolution (JRS 27) to overturn Citizens United.
This week, Governor Peter Shumlin (D-VT) announced, when he signs the H.112 bill on Friday, Vermont will also be the first state to pass a law that requires GMO (genetically modified organism) labeling on all food products.
"I am proud of Vermont for being the first state in the nation to ensure that Vermonters will know what is in their food. The Legislature has spoken loud and clear through its passage of this bill," Gov. Peter Shumlin (D-Vt.) said in a statement after the bill passed. "I wholeheartedly agree with them and look forward to signing this bill into law.”
Shumlin says he will sign the law and it will go into effect July 2016. GMO food labeling is already required in all EU countries.
RT reported:
Monsanto, DuPont, Kraft Foods Co. and others previously led the charge against the similar labeling legislation in California and Washington state, grossly outspending supporters of the measure that was eventually defeated in both states, with anti-labeling groups spending $22 million of the $28 million total spent on that campaign in Washington."
Governor Shumlin stated:
“There is no doubt that there are those who will work to derail this common-sense legislation. But I believe this bill is the right thing to do and will gain momentum elsewhere after our action here in Vermont.”
Thursday, on the
Tavis Smiley Show, Shumlin said that he will most likely be sued by some of the food industry corporations, once the bill is signed, but he will continue to stand by the law. NPR reports there is a $1.5 million legal fund already set up to fight legal battles.
Here is a link to a 3-minute NPR Audio and Transcript
UPDATE: 6:49 EDT
The American Press just announced:
A national food industry group has just announced it will file suit in federal court within weeks challenging Vermont's new law that requires labels on genetically modified foods. "The government has no compelling interest in warning consumers about foods containing genetically modified ingredients. The national group maintains the foods are not unsafe."
That's okay, the people will win this in the end. Cheers to Vermont, and to the millions of activists and everyday people who've worked relentlessly to get to this point. Once again, power to the people.