Senate Committee Broabdand Meeting Notes from March 10: $100 million for broadband development moves forward

The bill that promotes investment in broadband development in Minnesota is one step closer according to the Brainerd Dispatch…

A Senate committee unanimously voted to spend $100 million next year to boost rural high-speed Internet.

The committee deals with rural issues, and is composed mostly of rural lawmakers. The bill could face opposition in its next stop, the Senate Finance Committee.

Bill sponsor Sen. Matt Schmit, D-Red Wing, said there is “a drastic difference” between rural and urban Internet speeds.

I miss being home for the excitement – but thanks to the beauty of broadband in Dublin and friends in right places, I was able to view some of the meeting. I want to thank Chris Henjum for sending me video on yesterday’s Senate Committee meeting.

Gary Evans’ Testimony:

Rick King’s Testimony:

I haven’t heard as much about the session in the House except what I can find on the State Legislature site, which indicates that the yesterday they heard Committee report and chose to adopt as amended and re-refer to Jobs and Economic Development Finance and Policy. (If I get video from that meeting I will post here.)