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State Representative Sheldon Johnson
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-4201
For more information contact: Matt Swenson 651-297-8406
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STATE REP. SHELDON JOHNSON APPOINTED TO CHAIR HOUSE TELECOM. COMMITTEE
ST. PAUL - State Representative Sheldon Johnson (DFL - Saint Paul) was appointed today by Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher to resume his post as chair of the Telecommunication Regulation and Infrastructure Division in the Minnesota House of Representatives. Rep. Johnson, first elected to the House in 2000, has chaired the House Telecommunications Division for two years. As chair, Johnson has led new discussions on how to move forward with needed investments in broadband infrastructure statewide.
“The investments we make today to expand and improve broadband infrastructure in Minnesota will have a significant impact on the health of our economy well into the future," said Rep. Johnson. “Making sure all areas of the state have equitable and affordable access to high-speed internet and other high-tech business tools will help Minnesota businesses remain competitive in a rapidly changing global economy.”
Chair Johnson notes this will be an important year to move the broadband discussion to the forefront of economic development efforts. Facing the longest and deepest economic recession since 1942, Minnesota lawmakers are seeking new ways to sharpen the state’s competitive edge and grow jobs statewide. Johnson thinks broadband infrastructure is part of the solution.
“We have an unprecedented opportunity to lay the groundwork for a 21st Century telecommunications infrastructure network in Minnesota,” said Johnson. “These investments are long overdue. Every year we wait to move forward on new infrastructure, we fall farther and farther behind other states. Installing new technology infrastructure will create jobs, and keep our economy competitive long into the future.”
Rep. Johnson stressed the importance of working with the federal government to achieve broadband goals in the upcoming legislative session. “I was encouraged that President-Elect Obama met with the nation’s governors to discuss a new infusion of capital investments in new infrastructure across the country,” said Johnson. “Strategically dedicating some of that new funding to high-tech infrastructure will significantly contribute to a more competitive Minnesota economy.”
News Items
- 2012 SESSION UPDATE - (Posted: 2012-05-01 00:00:00)
- 2012 SESSION UPDATE - (Posted: 2012-04-26 00:00:00)
- 2012 SESSION UPDATE - (Posted: 2012-04-19 00:00:00)
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