ST. PAUL, MN – The Governor’s Task Force on Broadband issued its annual report yesterday, which recommended a $100 million investment every two years in the Department of Employment and Economic Development’s broadband infrastructure grant program. Below is a statement from Lt. Governor Tina Smith about the recommendation.

“Broadband remains a critical tool for building a fair economy that works for all Minnesotans. This report reaffirms that significant, sustained investment is necessary to provide all Minnesotans the affordable, reliable, high-speed internet they require to run businesses, get educations, and access modern medical care. If we don’t make this investment, Minnesota will be divided between those who can access the promise of the 21st century and those who cannot. That is not right."

“Our Administration will propose another robust investment in broadband infrastructure next session. I hope legislators, many of whom ran on a promise to strengthen rural communities, will fulfill this commitment.”

Since 2014, Governor Dayton and Lt. Governor Smith have proposed over $150 million in broadband infrastructure investments for Greater Minnesota. They secured a $35 million investment from the Legislature during the 2016 Session. The investment is expected to help 11,000 to 12,000 additional Minnesota households.

More information about broadband infrastructure development can be found here. The full Governor’s Task Force on Broadband report can be found here.