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House Votes 98-44 to Decriminalize Marijuana

Supporters of decriminalizing – or even legalizing – the possession of small amounts of marijuana have cleared a major hurdle. The Vermont House voted 98-to-44 on Friday to make it a civil offense – instead of a crime – to possess one ounce or less of pot.

House To Debate Decriminalization

The Vermont House is set to debate legislation that would remove criminal penalties for possession of up to an ounce of marijuana and replace them with a civil violation like a traffic ticket and a $300 fine.

Governor’s Welfare Plan Includes Job Cuts

Gov. Peter Shumlin made headlines in January when he proposed a five-year lifetime cap on welfare benefits. But lawmakers only recently found out that he also wants to eliminate 12 positions dedicated to helping welfare recipients find the jobs they need to get off the program.