Legislation funds $35 million in rural broadband for unserved & underserved areas

Bipartisan legislation chief-authored by Senator Rich Draheim (R-Madison Lake) to expand funding for rural broadband infrastructure across Minnesota was heard in the Senate Agriculture, Rural Development, and Housing Finance Committee. The bill, SF 1231, provides $35 million in funding for the Border to Border Broadband Grant Program.

“From health care to education, broadband is essential to our everyday way of life,” said Senator Draheim. “In order to be successful in our current economy, Greater Minnesota businesses need access to high speed broadband. This legislation aims to leverage private investment in developing our broadband infrastructure in unserved and underserved areas of our state.”

Since Draheim entered the Senate two years ago, he has joined his legislative colleagues in passing $35 million in funding for the Border to Border Broadband Grant Program. Unfortunately, former Governor Mark Dayton vetoed $15 million of that funding last year.

In addition to SF 1231, Senator Draheim is chief-authoring legislation, SF 1507, to establish a pilot program for expanding broadband service in unserved areas.

“Broadband expansion benefits everyone in our state,” added Senator Draheim. “Students benefit, medical patients benefit, businesses benefit, and Greater Minnesota families benefit. By working across the aisle, we can improve Minnesota for today and the future.”