Senate committee advances Kendall Smith’s confirmation as labor commissioner

The Senate Economic Development, Housing, and General Affairs committee on April 3 moved forward with the confirmation of Kendall Smith as commissioner of the Vermont Department of Labor.

Chair (speaker 1) opened the session by introducing Smith and outlining her background in workforce policy, noting her prior roles in government affairs and service for Governor Scott. The chair said Smith had ‘‘articulated her vision for the department’’ and praised her organization and listening skills.

Clerk (speaker 6) conducted the roll call and multiple senators answered in the affirmative during the proceeding. Committee members offered brief statements of support on the record before the committee pivoted to other business.

The committee then recessed briefly and returned to consider the landlord‑tenant bill.

Next steps: the committee paused for a short break and planned to take up additional witnesses and sections of the bill after resuming the meeting.