House DFL Leader Paul Thissen has planned two more conversations about broadband in September. Last month the DFL Caucus held similar conversation is Willmar and Morris. From what I observed at the earlier meetings, the legislators are there is listen. It’s a good time to bring your story if you want to have an impact on what happens with broadband (and broadband funding) next year during session.

Here are the details on the meetings…

• On Thursday, September 17th at 11:15 a.m. House DFL Leader Paul Thissen will hold a roundtable meeting at the Aitkin City Hall to hear from local officials and community leaders about the importance of expanding broadband service in Aitkin and throughout Greater Minnesota.
  WHO: House DFL Leader Paul Thissen, economic development representatives, and area broadband experts and advocates
  WHAT: Roundtable discussion on expanding broadband service in the Aitkin County area and other communities in Greater Minnesota
  WHEN: Thursday, September 17th from 11:15 am – 12:30 pm
  WHERE: Aitkin City Hall, Conference Room
• On Tuesday, September 29th at 1:00 at the Long Lake Conservation Center, the Aitkin County Board of Commissioners will be holding a Committee of the Whole meeting with area broadband providers invited. The purpose of the meeting will be to have an open dialogue with the providers looking for specific actions we can make together to eventually bring Aitkin County up to the broadband speeds specified by the State of Minnesota.
  WHO: Aitkin County Board of Commissioners, providers invited.

WHAT: Committee of the Whole meeting of the Commissioners for open discussion on how to increase broadband speed and availability in Aitkin County.
WHEN: Tuesday, September 29th at 1:00 pm
WHERE: Long Lake Conservation Center in the North Star Lodge, Palisade, MN