Community media asks committee for $1.89 million to sustain emergency communications and radio network
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Summary
Vermont Access Network requested $1.89 million for community communications—including a 9-station community radio team—saying the governor proposed $1.35 million and the committee could consider an additional $540,000 to close an operational gap caused by declining cable revenue and rising costs.
Representatives of the Vermont Access Network told the Government Operations & Military Affairs committee they seek supplemental state funding to sustain community media operations that support emergency communications across the state.
"We are requesting $1,890,000 to support community communications, which does also include emergency communications, particularly on the radio side," said Lauren Glendavidian, policy director for the Vermont Access Network and Community Radio Network. She said the governor's budget includes $1,350,000; the witness asked the committee to consider approximately $540,000 more to account for declining cable revenue, cost-of-living increases and the addition of a nine-station community radio team.
Committee members asked a series of clarifying questions. One member confirmed the supplemental request includes $90,000 earmarked for community radio operations. Glendavidian said the radio component had been initially funded through an emergency appropriation and that moving an antenna in a prior year materially increased coverage for some areas.
Witnesses said they would submit a formal request letter and supporting materials to the committee assistant; they also acknowledged the organization had previously provided related testimony and letters from community partners.
No formal committee action occurred; staff asked for a written budget memo that committee members could use during appropriation discussions.
Next steps: Witnesses will deliver written materials for staff review, and the committee may consider the request as part of its budget memo for the omnibus vehicle.
