ST. PAUL, MN – On Wednesday, April 13, House Republicans unveiled a series of proposals to increase broadband access throughout Minnesota. The proposals total $35 million including $7 million dedicated to improving broadband access for Minnesota students through new, innovative grant programs. Representatives Dan Fabian (R-Roseau) and Deb Kiel (R-Crookston) have been advocates for expanding broadband access in Northwest Minnesota.
"We want Greater Minnesota to have access to fast, reliable internet like they do in the Twin Cities," said Rep. Fabian. "These innovative broadband proposals will help everyone from kids taking the bus to school every day to small business owners on Main Street."
"Underserved areas in our communities will benefit from our innovative proposals to expand broadband, helping students, families, businesses and local government have consistent and reliable access to internet," added Rep. Kiel. "This proposal would create a historic investment in broadband infrastructure and is a win-win for folks across the state."
Of the $7 million of broadband funding in the supplemental education proposal, $5 million would be used as grants for broadband Wi-Fi hotspots, while $2 million would be allocated to build broadband capacity. Inner city, suburban, and rural districts can use the grants to purchase mobile hotspots for student use or provide Wi-Fi hotspots to adult education classes and displaced workers.
Along with broadband education funding, Republicans proposed an additional $28 million for rural broadband expansion. Combined with federal Connect America Funds, Minnesotans will see a historic broadband infrastructure investment. The funding focuses on unserved and underserved areas, as well as areas with larger numbers of low-income households.
-30-
State Rep. Deb Kiel serves District 1B and State Rep. Dan Fabian serves District 1A