Signed by Governor Phil Scott

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that appropriates funds for broadband internet connectivity, housing, and economic relief during the COVID-19 public health emergency.

Highlights:

• Appropriates $213.2 million from the Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) to cover necessary broadband connectivity, information technology, housing, and economic relief expenses incurred due to, or as a result of the COVID-19 public health emergency (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that the aforementioned appropriations will not be counted in Vermont’s 2020 fiscal year budget (Sec. 2).

• Requires any individual that expends funds from the CRF in a way not otherwise eligible to be subject to repayment (Sec. 4).

• Appropriates $82 million to various agencies and departments as follows (Sec. 6):

• $56 million to the Agency of Commerce and Community Development;

• $26 million to the Department of Taxes;

• $2.5 million via the Agency of Commerce and Community Development for the Working Lands Enterprise Fund;

• $2.5 million to the Department of Tourism and Marketing to create a Restart Vermont marketing program to encourage visitation and consumer spending in Vermont to support businesses that have suffered economic harm due to the COVID-19 public health emergency; and

• $1.5 million to the Agency of Natural Resources for grants to outdoor recreation businesses for costs or expenses necessary to comply with or implement COVID-19 public health precautions, including: 

• Cleaning, disinfection, and personal protection services and equipment;

• Symptom monitoring or diagnosis for customers or participants;

• Signage or informational material concerning public health precautions;

• Temporary staff housing necessary to maintain public precautions; or

• Maintenance of repair of trials where damage is caused by increased usage during the declared COVID-19 public health emergency.

• Appropriates $16 million to the Coronavirus Relief Fund to the Department of Children and Families to fund programs and services that support safe and stable housing opportunities for Vermont households experiencing homelessness as a result of the COVID-19 public health (Sec. 12).

• Establishes the COVID-Response Accelerated Broadband Connectivity Program as a newly launched program administered by the Commissioner of Public Service, and appropriates $17.3 million for the purpose of establishing the program rapidly to significantly increase broadband connectivity (Sec. 13).

Full Bill Text