The Aitkin Age recently ran a letter from Representative Paul Thissen about his recent visit to the area. He reminds readers of the political issue surrounding broadband last year…

The need for better high speed internet in rural Minnesota is an issue where we’ve made some progress, but must make much more. In 2013 a DFL-led legislature made the first significant investment in broadband infrastructure in our state’s history, but we knew that $30 million was only a down-payment. Minnesota’s Office of Broadband estimates the need in Minnesota at closer to $100 million per year. Unfortunately, the Republican-led House did not continue this commitment to rural broadband access in 2015. They initially zeroed-out our state’s broadband investment and ended up putting just $10 million into our broadband program. That’s because their top priority last session was massive tax breaks that benefit large corporations and businesses that predominantly reside in the metro area.

And encourages folks to speak up if they want more investment in broadband in the future…

I encourage everyone in your area to continue making your voice heard in the coming months and to contact your Representative Dale Lueck. The budget that Lueck supported last session fell short on rural broadband. Your support on this issue can help us make sure we don’t fall short again next session.