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Author: Sarah Mearhoff

Sarah Mearhoff is one of VTDigger's political reporters, covering the Vermont statehouse, executive branch and congressional delegation. Prior to joining Digger, she covered Minnesota and South Dakota state politics for Forum Communications' newspapers across the Upper Midwest for three years. She has also covered politics in Mississippi, New York, Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C. Born and raised in Pennsylvania, she is a proud alumna of the Pennsylvania State University where she studied journalism.
 

Vermont lawmakers take up landmark abortion ‘shield law,’ but protections could only go so far

By Sarah Mearhoff

Jan 29 2023, 3:06 PMJanuary 29, 2023

This week’s hearings mark the Legislature’s first major deliberations over abortion-related policy since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned landmark Roe v. Wade case precedent last summer, eliminating the federal right to an abortion.


Final Reading: Vermont Senate Democrats host ‘spirited’ fundraiser

By Sarah Mearhoff

Jan 27 2023January 28, 2023

At a soiree at Caledonia Spirits, guests were offered “a great opportunity to casually connect” with Vermont state senators, for the modest price of $50 to $1,000.


Final Reading: Rep. Kate Donnally to step down, calling legislating ‘an impossible juggling act’

By Sarah Mearhoff

Jan 26 2023January 26, 2023

Donnally said in October that serving in the Legislature has been “brutally difficult” for her financially and personally, particularly as a queer person.


Peter Welch’s Senate committee assignments include Agriculture, Judiciary; Becca Balint lands House Oversight

By Sarah Mearhoff

Jan 26 2023January 27, 2023

Vermont’s first-term senator will serve on multiple high-profile committees, while its first-term representative has secured her “dream” seat.


Final Reading: Inside the unofficial Statehouse weather service

By Sarah Mearhoff

Jan 25 2023January 25, 2023

In exquisite emails, Capitol Police Chief Matthew Romei warns lawmakers and staffers of incoming severe weather.


As the US House plays a ‘game of chicken’ over the debt ceiling, Vermonters’ Social Security and Medicare benefits are on the line

By Sarah Mearhoff

Jan 24 2023January 29, 2023

U.S. House Republicans are holding up a must-pass vote to raise the federal government’s debt ceiling. Vermont’s Democratic U.S. Rep. Becca Balint called the fight a high-stakes “game of chicken.”


Public safety department plans to launch statewide crime ‘heat map’ dashboard

By Sarah Mearhoff

Jan 22 2023January 23, 2023

Early skeptics say the tool gives the misleading impression that Vermont’s cities are disproportionately dangerous, arguing that without context, the map is likely to stoke unnecessary fear among the public.


Gov. Phil Scott keeps new budget ‘lean’ despite historic revenues, bracing for tough times ahead

By Sarah Mearhoff and Lola Duffort

Jan 20 2023January 23, 2023

Scott and his administration acknowledged that Vermont has seen record revenues, “supercharged” in large part by an influx of federal cash to the state.


Final Reading: Return of a ritual

By Riley Robinson and Sarah Mearhoff

Jan 18 2023January 18, 2023

State Curator David Schutz is again rearranging and refreshing the art hung on the walls of the Statehouse.


Campaign finance watchdog files FEC complaint against Liam Madden for funneling donations through family

By Sarah Mearhoff

Jan 18 2023January 18, 2023

“Why are they so concerned about this irrelevant campaign, irrelevant candidate, irrelevant amount of money? It seems like they’re … punching down,” the former Republican congressional nominee said in an interview Wednesday.


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Vermont lawmakers take up landmark abortion ‘shield law,’ but protections could only go so far

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Jan 29 2023, 12:11 PMJanuary 29, 2023

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Final Reading: Vermont Senate Democrats host ‘spirited’ fundraiser

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Jan 27 2023January 28, 2023

Vermont’s largest health care union will almost double in size

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Natural Resources secretary presents a 'really rough' estimate of the clean heat standard’s cost

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Commentary

Bob Stannard: Vermont needs a moratorium on spraying toxic chemicals in our lakes

Robert Fireovid: I want our population to shrink. I pray for it every day.

Jonathan Lesser: Vermont has a windmill-tilting climate action plan

Steven Berbeco: United for mental health — community effort makes it work

Sadkin & Asselin: OneCare is a lifesaving measure for independent primary care 

Rama Schneider: Increased participation vs. increased decision-making

Katerina Brumer: It’s not just me who wants to see trapping banned

Darryl Benjamin: What it’s like to move to Florida as a liberal

Edward Scott: Schools need to go to the core of troubling issues

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Politics

Vermont lawmakers take up landmark abortion ‘shield law,’ but protections could only go so far

By Sarah Mearhoff

Jan 29 2023, 3:06 PMJanuary 29, 2023

State wants to sell Burlington office building, drawing criticism from state employees’ union

By Patrick Crowley

Jan 29 2023, 12:11 PMJanuary 29, 2023

Final Reading: Vermont Senate Democrats host ‘spirited’ fundraiser

By Sarah Mearhoff

Jan 27 2023January 28, 2023

Vermont Senate increases committee room limits in response to newsrooms’ concerns

By Shaun Robinson

Jan 27 2023January 27, 2023

Burlington Progressives settle tie vote in South District council race

By Patrick Crowley

Jan 27 2023January 27, 2023

Final Reading: Rep. Kate Donnally to step down, calling legislating ‘an impossible juggling act’

By Sarah Mearhoff

Jan 26 2023January 26, 2023

Hartford names Rutland commander as permanent police chief

By Valley News

Jan 26 2023January 26, 2023

Peter Welch’s Senate committee assignments include Agriculture, Judiciary; Becca Balint lands House Oversight

By Sarah Mearhoff

Jan 26 2023January 27, 2023

Final Reading: Inside the unofficial Statehouse weather service

By Sarah Mearhoff

Jan 25 2023January 25, 2023

Maea Brandt will not seek reelection to Burlington City Council

By Patrick Crowley

Jan 25 2023January 25, 2023

More politics



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