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House DFL Leader Thissen statement on 2016 Broadband Report

Wednesday, February 3, 2016

SAINT PAUL, MINN – Today, the Governor’s Task Force on Broadband released its annual report, recommending a $200 million investment for the state’s Border-to-Border Broadband Development Grant Program in order to move closer to the goal of border-to-border high speed Internet access for all Minnesotans.

The report indicates that while nearly every Minnesotans in the metro area has access to high speed Internet, in 1 in 5 in rural Minnesota still lack access.

Last session, House Republicans attempted to zero-out the state’s broadband grant program and agreed to a mere $10 million investment despite a $2 billion surplus. House DFLers have joined Governor Dayton in calling for a $100 million investment in broadband in the coming session.

House DFL Leader Paul Thissen released the following statement:

“The availability of high speed Internet has become a critical issue of economic vitality and quality of life for all Minnesotans. That’s why in 2014 House Democrats led the charge in making our state’s first real investment in broadband. This report released today shows us that we have more work ahead to reach our goal of a connected Minnesota where every family, student, and business has access to high speed Internet.

Last session, House Republicans ignored broadband as a critical priority for our state’s future. Since then, many are now changing their tune. However, the real test will come this session when we can measure not only their words, but their actions. If Republicans truly want to make a difference on broadband then they will join Governor Dayton and House Democrats in our push to invest $100 million so that we can make meaningful progress on this issue.”

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