The House Committee on Job Growth and Energy Affordability Policy and Finance is meeting at 12:45 p.m. on Wed. March 23, 2016 in Room 10 of the State Office Building. They are going to be discussing the broadband bill.

Again, broadband has provided a strong and pretty united voice this session. Last year at this time we were talking about how to get broadband back in the budget. To make sure that doesn’t happen again – it would be nice to continue to let the legislators know it’s a topic that people find important by showing up.

There are a few items still up for discussion – starting with the $35 million investment. The Senate is talking about $100 million. The Governor is talking about $100 million. Some Representatives in a Committee meeting last week seemed prepared to talk higher numbers.

There is also discussion of served, unserved and underserved – how do we define each. There is discussion about federal funding coming into the State and how can the State best leverage that funding.

The funding was off the table at the Policy Meeting last week – given that this is the Finance committee, I assume it will be back on the table. SO it’s a good time to let policymakers know if you think funding broadband is a priority.