Vermont bill pushes to keep 70% of state ad spending local

MONTPELIER, Vt. – Some Vermont lawmakers want the state to keep it local when it comes to spending money on advertising. House bill H.244 would mandate that the state spend 70% of its ad dollars on Vermont-based print, digital, radio and television organizations rather than out-of-state social media and search firms. Sponsors include members on both sides of the aisle. Proponents say it will help keep small media outlets afloat. The proposal also calls for new transparency, requiring the state to report each year on how much money is spent on advertising and where it goes.The bill is supported by numerous media entities in Vermont.