After federal cuts, Maine Senate Majority Leader to introduce bill to strengthen emergency public broadcasting

Posted: November 03, 2025 | Education and Cultural Affairs, Senator Pierce

AUGUSTA — When the 132nd Maine Legislature reconvenes in January, Senate Majority Leader Teresa S. Pierce, D-Falmouth, will introduce legislation to provide continued support to Maine’s emergency public broadcasting system, which serves as a vital resource during extreme weather events and other public safety emergencies.

“An Act to Improve Localization of Emergency Broadcast Messaging” was approved for introduction in the Legislature’s Second Regular Session by a majority of the Legislative Council in an October 23 meeting.

Sen. Teresa S. Pierce

“Here in Maine, we’re familiar with and depend on the dial tone and automated voice on the radio and TV that shares critical information when severe weather or public safety notices may impact us,” said Sen. Pierce. “Our emergency public broadcasting system is a lifeline that we, especially as a rural state, heavily rely on. With Congress slashing funding earlier this year and another Maine winter on the way, I look forward to working with my colleagues in a bipartisan manner to bolster this system from southern York County to the St. John Valley.”

The bill would provide a one-time appropriation for necessary broadcast infrastructure equipment to purchase and install encoders throughout the statewide radio network operated by Maine Public Broadcasting Corporation. The purchase and installation of encoders for the 21 radio transmitter sites would enable the network to distribute alerts and other information tailored to each coverage area, bringing localized coverage across Maine.

Earlier this year, Congress cut billions of dollars in funding for public broadcasting, impacting support for emergency alert systems across the country.

New legislation in the Second Regular Session of the Maine Legislature must be approved for introduction by the Legislative Council, which is made up of the Democratic and Republican leaders in the Maine Senate and House of Representatives. Republican leaders voted against introducing the bill.

The Legislature is set to reconvene for the Second Regular Session on Wednesday, January 7, 2026.