I’m glad to see broadband get added to lots of policy lists. Last week I mentioned that it was making the short list for Democrats and Republicans. Today I see that it’s making the short list of the Greater Minnesota Partnership. The Perham Focus notes that the GMNP has create a 8-point policy position for 2016 to support rural Minnesota…

-Business development public infrastructure grant program: The GMNP supports a $15 million appropriation in the 2016 legislative session.

-Broadband expansion: GMNP is working on programs that better target funds to Greater Minnesota with greatest economic benefit to the area.

-Statewide business property taxes exemption: Under the Greater Business Expansion program, offer seven year business property tax exemption.

-Transportation: The GMNP supports a $7 billion in road funding over 10 years with $200 million for Corridors of Commerce and $40 million for city streets

-Water quality regulation: The GMNP supports requiring independent scientific peer review and cost benefit analysis of new water quality rules before they are implemented.

-Bonding and infrastructure in Greater Minnesota: Bonding bills should focus more on transportation, infrastructure, wastewater and other infrastructure that grows local economies in Greater Minnesota.

-New employee job training program: The GMNP supports increased and permanent funding for the employer-drive job training legislation enacted in 2015

-Local Government Aid (LGA): The GMNP supports