According to Winona Daily News…

Now, however, there is a $1.9 billion state budget surplus to boost funds for a number of programs and ideas the coalition believes will benefit cities throughout the state.

Top among the priorities for the coalition will be increasing local government aid from the state, along with a workforce housing tax credit program and support for the expansion of broadband across the state, said member Tim Flaherty Monday in a visit to Winona.

Broadband expansion ended up with almost $11 million in this year’s session, below the $100 million that the CGMC recommended. Winona County benefited from that funding, receiving more than $500,000 in matching funds for a project to extend internet to the western and northwestern parts of the county.

It’s good to see broadband near the top of their list. I think they were very successful in 2013-2014 at helping broadband get enough attention for the original $20 million border to border broadband funds.