Government Technology developed a list of the top 13 most tech savvy legislators in the US. I was delighted to see Senator Matt Schmit and Representative Joe Atkins made the list.

Minnesota Sen. Matt Schmit, DFL-Red Wing

Schmit is extremely focused on broadband expansion in rural Minnesota during this current legislative session, conducting a series of town hall meetings on the topic. He also has introduced bills related to that issue, telecommunications, cybersecurity and energy.

Minnesota Rep. Joe Atkins, DFL-District 52B

Atkins regularly takes up technology issues, particularly when they deal with law enforcement. He has authored two technology-based bills this year, one concerning cellphone kill switches and one about obtaining search warrants for cell phone data. He has also co-authored bills on electronic lottery terminals, telecommunications authority and renewable energy.

Government Technology has created an interactive map to include this information and apparently it will be kept up to date so that we can track easily any additions or changes to the list. I appreciate that the any legislator is really asked to have a great breadth of knowledge on everything education, economics, environment… Then it seems as if most legislators have a couple areas where they develop a deeper understanding. My assumption is that their colleagues come to lean on them for help understanding the details and nuances of those topics. It’s great to see a couple of policymakers focusing on technology in Minnesota.