Dear Friends,
I hope you’re doing well and are embracing winter. We’re in for a bright, relatively warm weekend starting tomorrow. It’ll be a good chance to head outside and enjoy some pond hockey or make it to the local sledding hill.
Broadband Grants
As you probably know, I’ve long been a proponent of expanding broadband access in Greater Minnesota. Thanks to a GOP-led initiative in 2016, $35 million in broadband grants was awarded to 42 projects around the state. The legislature approved a total of $45 million in broadband grants last biennium, and when you add in federal funds, we’ll see north of $100 million in rural Minnesota broadband investment in 2017.
I was also pleased to see a $500,000 investment for rural schools districts to install wireless hotspots on buses for students with long commutes to and from school. The origin of the initiative comes from a Republican-led proposal from the 2016 legislative session. Our goal with this initiative was to give students a chance to stay connected and have access to their homework while on their lengthy bus commutes. It’s a big step in helping these young learners keep pace technologically with the metro area. I anticipate further support from the Governor’s office to improve educational broadband access going forward.
Say Yes to the Prom Dress
I’m still a few years away from prom dress shopping with my daughters, but if you know someone looking to buy or sell a prom dress, please check out the Long Prairie “Say Yes to the Prom Dress” event. You can drop off dresses at LPGE High School from 5-8pm tonight, and can shop from 9am until noon tomorrow. I know when the time comes for me to buy a prom dress for my daughters, I’ll appreciate local opportunities like this.
Please Contact Me
As always, please contact me with your questions, concerns, and comments. Reach me at rep.ron.kresha@house.mn or by phone at 651-296-4247. Follow me on Twitter @RonKresha for more updates, as well.
Have a great weekend,
Ron