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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 leaders pursue federal disaster aid after orchardists face ‘heartbreaking’ losses in May freeze

By Sarah Mearhoff

Jun 8 2023, 7:02 PMJune 8, 2023

With vulnerable farmers un- or under-insured to cover their losses from a devastating May freeze, Vermont Agriculture Secretary Anson Tebbetts is pleading for federal help. But one USDA official told VTDigger he doesn’t “know the extent to which relief would be granted to the farmers.”


‘They were bad choices’: Balint votes reluctant yes on debt ceiling

By Sarah Mearhoff

Jun 1 2023June 1, 2023

A deal struck between President Joe Biden and Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy raised the nation’s borrowing limit, allowing it to pay its bills and avoid an economically catastrophic default — but also includes a laundry list of GOP policy demands.


Phil Scott allows gun control bill to go into law without his signature

By Sarah Mearhoff

Jun 1 2023June 1, 2023

“(K)nowing that my constitutional concerns will be addressed through the legal process, I will allow H.230 to become law without my signature, and await the judicial branch to decide the fate of waiting periods,” the Republican governor said Thursday.


Phil Scott vetoes bill that would double lawmaker pay by 2027

By Sarah Mearhoff

May 31 2023May 31, 2023

The governor said it seemed unfair “for legislators to insulate themselves from the very costs they are imposing on their constituents by doubling their own future pay.”


Phil Scott vetoes noncitizen voting in Burlington and voting for 16- and 17-year-olds in Brattleboro

By Sarah Mearhoff

May 27 2023May 27, 2023

Also on Saturday, the governor allowed H.508, which will expand ranked choice voting in Burlington, to take effect without his signature.


2 troopers cited on misdemeanor charges of simple assault, reckless endangerment after projectile incident

By Sarah Mearhoff

May 22 2023May 22, 2023

Sgt. Ryan Wood and Trooper Zachary Trocki of the Westminster barracks are scheduled to be arraigned on misdemeanor charges at ​​the Vermont Superior Court in Brattleboro next Tuesday.


Vermont Democrats pushed through major firearms legislation this year. Will it hold up in court?

By Sarah Mearhoff

May 19 2023May 18, 2023

This legislative session saw three firearms bills cross the finish line. But with a new legal test throwing gun control laws — old and new — into question, will they stick?


Sen. Peter Welch calls for Supreme Court code of ethics, stops short of calling for resignation 

By Sarah Mearhoff

May 15 2023May 15, 2023

Welch, who’s on the Senate’s Judiciary Committee, has called on the nation’s highest court to establish a code of ethics for its justices in light of mounting scrutiny of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas. But asked if he thinks the judge should step down or face impeachment, Welch answered no.


Marked by record turnover, a Democratic supermajority and 11th hour battles, 2023’s legislative session comes to a close

By Sarah Mearhoff

May 13 2023May 14, 2023

With a new biennium came a fresh crop of lawmakers, altered political dynamics, a historic Democratic supermajority in both chambers and a litany of major policy decisions — some solidified only after intense political debate.


Final Reading: On adjournment eve, a moment of sincerity

By Sarah Mearhoff

May 12 2023May 12, 2023

Throughout the past four months, your humble servants at VTDigger worked hard to follow state lawmakers’ every move, ranging from their hard-fought political battles and policy debates to deeply unserious shenanigans under the Golden Dome.


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Obituaries

Celebration of Life to be held for Elaine L. Begin Dorothy Myer Joyce Ann Ranney Bruce R. Laumeister Brenda Bradley Bisbee David Alan Lord Norman P. Riggs Matthew J. Kelsh III Glenn Edward Taulton Sr. Celebration of life to be held for Richard (Dick) Jenney

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Recent Stories

Dartmouth Health lays off 75 workers, eliminates 100 open positions

By Valley News

Jun 8 2023, 9:52 PMJune 8, 2023

Vermont leaders pursue federal disaster aid after orchardists face ‘heartbreaking’ losses in May freeze

By Sarah Mearhoff

Jun 8 2023, 7:02 PMJune 8, 2023

Former trooper sentenced to probation, suspended prison time for misdemeanor offenses

By Tiffany Tan

Jun 8 2023, 6:39 PMJune 8, 2023

Unconditional release of Vermont student in school threat case prompts concerns at Minnesota college

By Patrick Crowley

Jun 8 2023, 6:10 PMJune 8, 2023

Corrections department hires law firm to increase transparency, review ongoing death investigations

By Ethan Weinstein

Jun 8 2023, 5:50 PMJune 8, 2023

Vermonters are invited to share their experiences accessing broadband

By Olivia Q. Pintair

Jun 8 2023, 3:50 PMJune 8, 2023

Real estate deal for 3 Vermont College of Fine Arts buildings falls through

By Peter D'Auria

Jun 8 2023, 3:07 PMJune 8, 2023

‘A genuine act of hate’: Swastika found in gender-neutral bathroom at Montpelier High School

By The Montpelier Bridge

Jun 7 2023June 7, 2023

Personal information of 7,000 retired Vermont teachers stolen in cybersecurity attack

By Tiffany Tan

Jun 7 2023June 8, 2023

This year’s count finds homelessness has climbed nearly 19% in Vermont

By Lola Duffort

Jun 7 2023June 7, 2023

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Commentary

Jim Tomczak: We want to get our son, who we love, out of the house and into treatment

Walt Amses: The Pride battle that seemed over isn’t over

John McClaughry: Infusing science standards with political goals

More commentary

Politics

This year’s count finds homelessness has climbed nearly 19% in Vermont

By Lola Duffort

Jun 7 2023June 7, 2023

Gov. Phil Scott vetoes child care bill

By Lola Duffort

Jun 6 2023June 6, 2023

What Vermont can learn from its forgotten motel voucher crisis of 2013

By Kevin O'Connor

Jun 6 2023June 5, 2023

Burlington City Council confirms Jon Murad as police chief

By Patrick Crowley

Jun 6 2023June 6, 2023

Burlington asks state to fund new emergency shelter, motel stays

By Patrick Crowley

Jun 5 2023June 5, 2023

Phil Scott signs ‘HOME’ bill, legalizing duplexes statewide and tweaking Act 250

By Lola Duffort

Jun 5 2023June 5, 2023

Vermont state rep’s home vandalized after first round of motel program evictions

By Kate O'Farrell

Jun 2 2023June 4, 2023

After last-ditch legal effort fails, hundreds of unhoused Vermonters are evicted from motel program

By Lola Duffort, Patrick Crowley, Kevin O'Connor, Emma Cotton and Erin Petenko

Jun 1 2023June 1, 2023

Phil Scott signs retirement savings bill, vetoes 2 others

By Fred Thys and Kristen Fountain

Jun 1 2023June 2, 2023

‘They were bad choices’: Balint votes reluctant yes on debt ceiling

By Sarah Mearhoff

Jun 1 2023June 1, 2023

More politics



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