The Build Back Better legislation that passed the House on Nov. 19 includes a payroll tax provision that would provide $1.67 billion over the next five years for newspapers, websites, radio and TV stations, and other outlets that primarily cover local news.
The legislation, part of a $2.2 trillion social safety net and climate package, must still make it through the Senate, where it faces stiff challenge.
But if it survives, eligible news organizations could reap up to $25,000 for each locally focused journalist they employ in the first year and $15,000 in each of the next four.
