ST. PAUL, MN - On Wednesday, Governor Dayton signed the supplemental budget bill, HF2749, into law. The language included a $35 million investment for broadband infrastructure—the largest amount in state history. When combined with federal funding, Minnesota is expected to see nearly $120 million in funding for broadband expansion in 2017 alone.
“Many unserved and underserved areas in Greater Minnesota need this funding to keep pace with the Twin Cities,” said Rep. Peggy Bennett, R-Albert Lea. “Our students, small businesses, and local governments require high-speed access to stay connected with the rest of the world, and this funding will go a long way to closing this technological divide.”
The bill also included a historic tax cut for veterans, exempting all military retirement benefits from state taxes. This will mean more money in the pockets of the more than 18,000 retired veterans currently living in Minnesota.
“This is one of my favorite provisions this year, and has been a long time in coming for Minnesota veterans,” said Bennett. “I’m proud to vote for this bill to help our retired heroes.”
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