Community Media Public Benefit Bill: H.575 and S.181: Vermont House Appropriations - Discussion of VAN’s FY26 Budget Request

Description

Discussion of VAN’s FY26 Budget Request at the Vermont House Government Operations and Military Affairs.

On Friday, the Secretary of State’s Office presented their FY26 budget to the House Appropriations Committee. Lauren Hibbert shared your request of $1.35 million, which the Secretary’s Office supports. Rep. Jim Harrison asked if some of VAN’s services might be redundant, since most legislative meetings are now broadcast live via YouTube for example. Rep. Stevens and Rep. Mrowicki made some nice comments about how important public access is to civic participation and democracy. Matthew followed up afterward with Rep. Harrison, who clarified he is just scrutinizing any/all increases in spending in the FY26 budget, and “there is no problem here.” He understands the importance of VAN’s work, and that the vast majority of VAN’s request is in the Governor’s recommended budget.

VAN’s FY26 budget request can be seen at the top of p. 2 of this Secretary of State Office memo to House Appropriations about their budget: https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2026/Workgroups/House%20Appropriations/FY%202026%20Budget/3.%20Protection%20to%20Persons%20and%20Property/W~Sarah%20Copeland%20Hanzas~SOS%20FY26%20Budget%20Memo~2-14-2025.pdf

VAN’s 3-year budget plan/request can be found on slide 11 of the SOS presentation, here: https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2026/Workgroups/House%20Appropriations/FY%202026%20Budget/3.%20Protection%20to%20Persons%20and%20Property/W~Sarah%20Copeland%20Hanzas~SOS%20FY26%20Budget%20Presentation~2-14-2025.pdf