The Governor, Senate and House all proposed significant investment in broadband expansion across rural Minnesota. Gov. Mark Dayton recommends the highest investment of $100 million, followed by the Senate at $85 million. The House proposes $40 million.
At issue is how to prioritize the needs across the state. MREA is rooting for all three to resolve their differences and push substantial grant dollars to unserved and underserved areas. Affordable, robust internet connectivity for all rural homes is an important in the 21st century as bringing electricity to all rural farms was 80 years ago.
The Star Tribune’s lead story in the Minnesota section Sunday had a good description of the issues and history of internet funding.