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Community Media Public Benefit Bill: H.575 and S.181: Vermont Senate Committee on Finance - Testimony of S. 181 Community Media Public Benefit Bill 02/01/2024

Testimony of the Community Media Public Benefit Bill S.181 at the Senate Committee on Finance.

On Thursday, Senate Finance heard testimony from Legislative Counsel Maria Royle regarding some of the assertions made by industry witnesses opposing S.181. She was asked to respond to alleged legal and market concerns, and offered her legal opinions.

S.181 as introduced:
https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2024/Docs/BILLS/S-0181/S-0181%20As%20Introduced.pdf

Community Media Public Benefit Bill: H.575 and S.181: Vermont Senate Committee on Finance - Discussion of Communication Union Districts 01/31/2024

Discussion of Communication Union Districts at the Senate Committee on Finance.

On Wednesday, the CUDs were in the Senate Finance Committee to give an update on their status and answer questions from the committee.

Community Media Public Benefit Bill: H.575 and S.181: Vermont House Committee on Government Operations - Testimony of S.55 Update to Open Meeting Law 01/31/2024

Testimony of S.55 Update to Open Meeting Law at the House Committee on Government Operations.

On WEDNESDAY, the committee had discussion and took additional testimony on S.55. The committee heard from the Vermont Association of Planning & Development Agencies, the Rutland Regional Planning Commission, the Vermont Municipal Clerks and Treasurers Association, and the Attorney General's office.

S.55 as introduced:
https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2024/Docs/BILLS/S-0055/S-0055%20As%20Introduced.pdf

Senator Bernie Sanders: First Responders Roundtable 01/29/2024

From the Office of Senator Bernie Sanders:

Sen. Bernie Sanders holds a roundtable discussion with Vermont first responders on Monday, January 29 at 10:00 a.m. to hear about challenges they face and what the federal government can do to support them.

The discussion with firefighters and EMS providers covers a range of issues, including recruitment, wages, training, and equipment costs. Sanders and attendees provide updates on several Congressionally Directed Spending projects for which Sanders secured more than $1.5 million in federal funding. The funding is being used to quadruple the number of spots at the Vermont State Firefighters Association cadet academy, establish more affordable EMS training, and build a new ambulance station in Waterbury.

Community Media Public Benefit Bill: H.575 and S.181: Vermont House Committee on Government Operations - Testimony of S.55 Update to Open Meeting Law 01/26/2024

Testimony of S.55 Update to Open Meeting Law at the House Committee on Government Operations.

On Friday, the committee continued testimony but did not come to any conclusions on possible language. During committee discussion, the role of stakeholders briefly came up - VAN was mentioned by name as one possible contributor. They also discussed definitions, which will be important in the final bill. Links to the most recent version of the bill and Friday’s meeting are below.

S.55 as introduced:
https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2024/Docs/BILLS/S-0055/S-0055%20As%20Introduced.pdf

Community Media Public Benefit Bill: H.575 and S.181: Vermont House Committee on Ways and Means - Testimony of H.657 Modernize Vermont’s Communications Taxes and Fees 01/25/2024

VAN testimony of H.657 a bill meant to modernize Vermont's communications taxes and fees at the House Committee on Ways and Means.

Lauren-Glenn Davitian testified on behalf if VAN. Kristen Christopher also testified on behalf of Comcast. JFO and Leonine Public Affairs also testified on other aspects of H.657.

H.657 as introduced:
https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2024/WorkGroups/House%20Ways%20and%20Means/Bills/H.657/H.657~Maria%20Royle~As%20Introduced~1-11-2024.pdf

Community Media Public Benefit Bill: H.575 and S.181: Vermont House Committee on Government Operations - Testimony of S.55 Update to Open Meeting Law 01/24/2024

Testimony of S.55 Update to Open Meeting Law at the House Committee on Government Operations.

On Tuesday, the Senate Government Operations Committee took further testimony on S.55, the bill that would amend the Open Meeting Law to authorize public bodies to meet through electronic means without designating a physical meeting location. Witnesses included the Deputy Secretary of State and representatives from the Green Mountain Care Board, the Public Utility Commission, the Vermont Press Association, the Human Services Board, the Vermont League of Vermont Cities and Towns, and the Vermont Association of Broadcasters.

S.55 as introduced:
https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2024/Docs/BILLS/S-0055/S-0055%20As%20Introduced.pdf

Community Media Public Benefit Bill: H.575 and S.181: Vermont Senate Committee on Finance - Opposition of S. 181 Community Media Public Benefit Bill 01/24/2024

Opposition of the Community Media Public Benefit Bill S.181 at the Senate Committee on Finance.

On Wednesday, the committee continued taking testimony on S.181. The committee heard from Mike Burke, Vice President of Field Operations at Green Mountain Power, Jeremy Crandall, Assistant Vice President State Legislative Affairs at CTIA - The Wireless Association, and Anna Lucey, Executive Vice President of Legislative and External Affairs at NECTA. Those who testified raised concerns about the affordability and legality of the bill. Included below are links to the start of each testimony, start of committee questions, and materials presented to the committee. 

S.181 as introduced:
https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2024/Docs/BILLS/S-0181/S-0181%20As%20Introduced.pdf

S.181 Opposition Jeremy Crandall CTIA Testimony: 
https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2024/WorkGroups/Senate%20Finance/Bills/S.181/Witness%20Documents/S.181~Jeremy%20Crandall~CTIA%20Testimony~1-24-2024.pdf

Senator Bernie Sanders: Statewide Telephone Town Meeting 01/24/2024

From the Office of Senator Bernie Sanders:

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) holds a statewide telephone town meeting to hear directly from Vermonters about the challenges they are facing in their daily lives, their concerns for their families, their communities, their state, and the world - and how the federal government can work to address those concerns.

Under the Dome: Trip to the Vermont State House - Interviews at the Statehouse on Budget Address Day 01/23/2024

As part of Town Meeting TV's coverage of the 2024 legislative session, Emily and Bobby travel to the Vermont Statehouse in Montpelier to interview attendees about the legislative session. Interviews with Rep. Rey Garofano, Rep. Daisy Berbeco, and birthing center advocate Laurie Foster.

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