Don't miss the big stories. Like us on Facebook. MONTPELIER â The House of Representatives gave final passage Wednesday to a resolution declaring racism a public health emergency, but not without some fireworks. The resolution, JRH 6, passed 135-8 on a roll call vote, following impassioned statements in favor of passage. JRH 6, sponsored by Rep. Brian Cina, P-Chittenden 6-4, cites racial discrepancies in health outcomes among BIPOC Vermonters including a much higher rate of COVID-19 cases, higher rates of mental health issues, lower incomes and higher poverty rates, as reasons the Legislature should treat racism as a health emergency. It declares âthat racism constitutes a public health emergency in Vermontâ and commits the Legislature to âthe sustained and deep work of eradicating systemic racism throughout the State, actively fighting racist practices, and participating in the creation of more just and equitable systems.â