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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.
 

Phil Scott vetoes bill that would double lawmaker pay by 2027

By Sarah Mearhoff

May 31 2023, 11:43 AMMay 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.


Final Reading: Legislature OKs another 2 years of to-go cocktails

By Shaun Robinson and Sarah Mearhoff

May 11 2023May 11, 2023

Thursday’s vote tops Vermonters off for another two years of to-go bevs, but the bill is still far from bottomless. It will require reauthorization once again come 2025.


Clean heat bill clears final hurdle as House overrides Phil Scott’s veto

By Sarah Mearhoff and Emma Cotton

May 11 2023May 11, 2023

With Thursday’s vote, the House avoided a repeat of last year’s episode, during which it failed to override Gov. Phil Scott’s veto of the clean heat standard by only one vote.


Final Reading: Adjournment speculation runs amok in the Statehouse

By Sarah Mearhoff

May 10 2023May 10, 2023

As for when the chaos will end, it depends on who you ask. Leadership is sticking to the script, insisting that, really, seriously, Friday is the last day.


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Commentary

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Politics

Vermont Legal Aid sues state to halt evictions from motel program

By Lola Duffort

May 31 2023, 1:33 PMMay 31, 2023

Newly signed law seeks more transparency, accountability in Vermont sheriffs’ departments

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May 31 2023, 12:19 PMMay 31, 2023

Phil Scott vetoes bill that would double lawmaker pay by 2027

By Sarah Mearhoff

May 31 2023, 11:43 AMMay 31, 2023

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