Language in the Senate’s version of the fiscal year 2018 budget would require Vermont Life magazine to shut down if an alternative plan for operations is not established.
Vermont Life, launched in 1946, is a quarterly publication founded to showcase the state to attract tourists and economic activity.
Sen. Jane Kitchel, D-Caledonia, chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, said the publication has a $3 million operating deficit, which is outside the state’s practice of not running a budgetary deficit.
“Here we are, we want a balanced budget, and yet we had this area where we say, ‘Oh, it’s not a problem,’” Kitchel said. “Well, it is a problem.”
The Senate language requires the administration to issue a request for proposals for the future of the magazine, which could include sale, partnership or other arrangements to eliminate the publication’s debt. If no viable proposals come forward, the administration is required to wind down publishing operations.
“It’s really basically saying, we need to fish or cut bait,” Kitchel said.
The budget fully funds the governor’s recommendation of $763,023 for the next fiscal year. The language, Kitchel said, is an attempt to maximize the magazine’s value.
“We think it is an asset, and we want to see, you know, what the market will say about that asset,” Kitchel said.
“I firmly believe that it has a future and we’ll figure out what that is,” he said.
Schirling said the magazine has a long history and helps bring people to Vermont either for vacation or to stay longer. He noted that the magazine’s employees also work on several other marketing and tourism initiatives the state runs.
It’s also a good platform for Vermont companies and products to gain exposure, he said.
“There is a future for Vermont Life, do not fear,” he said.
The magazine’s financial viability is of concern to the House as well. The House budget had language that directed the secretary of commerce and community development to develop a broader marketing plan that may or may not include Vermont Life.
Rep. Peter Fagan, R-Rutland, said there is “frustration” with an organization that continues to have financial difficulties.
However, he said he does not know whether the House will concur with the Senate’s stronger proposal regarding Vermont Life. The differences in the two proposals will be reconciled in a conference committee.
“I absolutely understand where they’re coming from,” Fagan said. “As far as where we’re going to end up, we’ll see.”
(Elizabeth Hewitt is a former freelance writer and fact-checker for Vermont Life.)
