The Post Bulletin recognizes the loss of Matt Schmit – one of the loudest voices for broadband in the 2016 legislature – and asks that someone else step up…

The fact that voters opted to replace one of the state’s leading voices for rural broadband doesn’t lessen the need for funding.

The state’s task force on rural broadband has once again pointed to the need for aggressive funding, $110 million over the next two years.

Unfortunately, these recommendations have led to political wrangling rather than being heeded as means to support economic growth in the state. In recent years, former Sen. Matt Schmit has been Southeast Minnesota’s loudest voice on the topic.

We need a local legislator to step up and take his place.

They add the benefits broadband can bring to the community…

A 2016 Hudson Institute study noted rural broadband supported more than $100 billion in e-commerce nationally in 2015. That’s people in outlying communities doing business elsewhere. It’s giving local customers and businesses the chance to actively engage in the statewide economy on a daily basis.

The need exists, and the benefits are real. Now, we just need voices to help continue spreading the message.