Senator Amy Klobuchar is behind bi-partisan legislation to measure the impact of broadband on the U-S economy. Klobuchar says there’s a “huge divide right now in our country between people who live in rural areas and people who live in urban:”
Klobuchar’s bill would require federal officials to study the effects of broadband deployment. She says the information will be valuable for policymakers and business leaders. Klobuchar calls broadband “a great equalizing force for creating jobs and increasing opportunity.” The bill is co-authored by Republican Senator Shelley Moore Capito of West Viirginia. Klobuchar says the measure will provide officials with “the reliable, publicly available economic data we need to make informed decisions about expanding broadband, connecting our communities, and keeping us competitive in an increasingly digital world.” On the state level here in Minnesota, Governor Dayton has proposed $151 million to expand broadband funding since 2014.