ST. PAUL, MN – Today, the /governor/assets/2015-broadband-report_tcm1055-154787.pdfGovernor’s Task Force on Broadband released a report calling for a $200 million investment in rural broadband access over the next two years. Below is a statement from Lt. Governor Tina Smith, who has spent the past year traveling Minnesota advocating for additional investment in rural broadband access.

 

“Today’s broadband report underscores the significant investment we need to make so Minnesotans in every region of the state have reliable, affordable broadband access. Broadband internet isn’t just nice, it’s necessary if we want Minnesota's economy to work for everyone. This is about our global competitiveness and our capacity to provide a world class education to our students. We need the bandwidth for Minnesota's regional centers and rural economies to support innovation and entrepreneurship. If we don't do this, 244,000 Minnesotans and hundreds of communities will lack the basic infrastructure to connect to the 21st century economy, and that's not fair. 

 

“Governor Dayton and I have proposed $100 million in additional state investment for broadband expansion. In partnership with local communities, private providers, and the federal government, we can make progress for Minnesota. It will take all of us, and none of us can do it alone. And we can't wait, if we want to build an economy that creates opportunity for everyone, everywhere in Minnesota.”

 

$100 Million for Broadband

On December 3, 2015, Governor Dayton and Lt. Governor Smith announced a $100 million proposal to improve rural broadband internet infrastructure. If approved by the Legislature, it is estimated that this investment would provide broadband access to 35,000 additional homes, businesses, and institutions across Minnesota.