Last week I was run off my feet trying to keep up with everything that was happening at the Legislature as far as broadband goes. The Senate held a press conference (and Twitterfest) on their proposed investment of $85 million for broadband grants in Minnesota. The House missed an opportunity to increase their proposed investment of $40 million in the discussion of House File 3931 – they did bump it from $35 million three weeks ago.

This week is so quiet. Is it the quiet before the storm?

Legislators are already congratulating themselves on the investment – but there’s a big difference between $40 million and $85 million – and there are some major differences in the bills outside of funding. (Who gets first dibs on funds? Who gets first dibs on projects? How much reporting required?)

Monday at the Legislature could be hopping – starting with Committee on Taxes at 10 am to discuss HF 3931. A lot of loud voices will be hitting the legislators between now and then to share opinions.

If you have an opinion on broadband funding or management of broadband funds now is a good time to use your loud voice!