(Host) The Vermont House gave preliminary approval on Wednesday, to legislation that changes when the state of Vermont celebrates Memorial Day.
The measure passed with very little debate.
The federal government and most other states recognize Memorial Day as the last Monday in the month; while the state of Vermont observes the holiday on its traditional date of May 30th.
Essex Representative Peter Hunt argued that the current system is confusing for many people.
He urged House members to have Vermont conform with the federal holiday:
(Hunt) “On May 30, for example, Vermonters can call state offices only to find that they are closed. And conversely on the following Monday, when most of us are off and celebrating the holiday at local parades and celebrations, our state offices are open. This also creates a disconnect between our federal and state governments because when state offices are open, federal offices are closed. And when federal offices are closed Vermont state offices are open.”
(Host) The measure comes up for final approval in the House today.