Leader in the State House

Sarah has been a leader on climate action, increasing access to the ballot box and improved government transparency. Sarah led the efforts in Vermont for racial justice reform and sensible cannabis reform. Sarah has received national recognition for her groundbreaking work on Sexual Harassment legislation. Her 2018 legislation was called the strongest in the nation.

Sarah's leadership made Vermont the first state in the nation to protect firefighters, EMT and police personnel by demanding parity for PTSD treatment, protecting our first responders and helping them get back on the job. Sarah was lead sponsor of the Global Warming Solutions Act, requiring Vermont to meet its emissions reduction goals. She led the successful 2021 Pension Task Force to a unanimous report that stabilizes Vermont's Teacher and State Employee pension plans.

Sarah served on the Health Care Committee for a decade, fighting for affordable health care and prescription drugs for all Vermonters. She has served as House Majority Leader and Chair of the Government Operations committee. She has served on the Executive Committee of the National Conference of State Legislatures.

Sarah has always stood steadfast in her values:

Climate Change

In the face of mounting environmental challenges, Sarah remains steadfast in her commitment to safeguarding our planet for future generations. As a legislator, she voted to protect our planet at every opportunity. She was the lead sponsor on the Global Warming Solutions Act, and finished her time in the legislature as the Co-Chair of the Climate Solutions Caucus for three years. She is recognized state-wide for her work on Climate and Environment.

Reproductive Rights

As a woman, a mother of three female-bodied children, and an advocate for civil liberties, Sarah believes that Vermont is going in the right direction by adopting a constitutional amendment guaranteeing reproductive liberty (which she voted for as a legislator). The decision of when and whether to use one’s body for reproduction should be up to the individual.

Sexual Harassment/Assault

Do you know 5 women? Then statistically you know 4 women who have experienced sexual harassment. Like many women, this is a personal topic for Sarah, and she has fought to better laws around sexual harassment in the workplace (for all genders). Her 2018 legislation implemented sexual harassment protections that at the time were called the strongest in the nation. Sarah has also passed bills to help protect victims of sexual violence.

LGBTQ+ Issues

Sarah joined the legislature in response to the attack on civil unions in Vermont. She proudly voted yes on marriage equality in 2009, and continued that trend by voting supportively on other LGBTQ+ issue bills, such as requiring non-gender bathrooms. As a legislator, she voted yes to get rid of the “LGBTQ+ panic” defense for crimes, and she co-sponsored and voted to pass the bill allowing people to amend their birth certificate to reflect gender identity.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Sarah is extremely proud to have passed legislation to get PTSD covered under worker’s comp for first responders. If we’re not protecting those who come to help us on our worst day, that is a tragedy. Sarah is hoping that the success of this legislation will grow to include more first responders, including health care workers who have been on the front line of the pandemic.

Gun Safety

With a clear and consistent record of supporting sensible gun safety reforms, Sarah has been a steadfast advocate for common-sense measures to prevent gun violence. By prioritizing public safety and the well-being of Vermont communities, Sarah continues to lead the charge for meaningful action on gun safety, ensuring that Vermont remains a safe and secure place for all.