Vermont House passes $95 million broadband, connectivity, housing coronavirus recovery package

The Vermont House approved an additional $95 million of Coronavirus Relief Funds in the Broadband, Connectivity, and Housing bill (H.966). The passage of H.966 includes $43 million for broadband, connectivity, and cybersecurity initiatives and an additional $52 million for housing initiatives. Highlights of the bill include:

• $800,000 to COVID Response Connectivity Community Program Grants
• $2 million to a broadband line extension customer assistance program to cover up to $3,000 of a customer’s costs for those located on the edge of current service 
• $11 million to the Get Vermonters Connected Now Initiative to support internet service providers getting service to underserved areas, prioritizing households with low incomes and remote education needs
• $800,000 for the COVID-Response Telehealth Connectivity Program 
• $4 million to update the state’s antiquated Unemployment Insurance system
• $3 million to the state and $350,000 to municipalities to mitigate cybersecurity concerns
• $152,000 to support Vermont’s E-911 system
• $20 million to prevent disconnection and give financial assistance to Vermonters unable to pay their utility bills