The Minnesota Ways and Means met last night (video archive available)  to hear  SF1937 (HF2209) Omnibus Job Growth & Energy Affordability Finance. The language of HF2209 was inserted into SF1937 as a delete-all amendment. Here’s the latest version (3rd engrossment) available on the legislation site right now. (I don’t think it yet reflects the amendments from last night.)

The reduction is broadband funding was discussed. They have only budgeted $7 million for Border to Border grants. Representative Garofalo said that there was no need for funding since everyone now has access to 25 Mbps down and 3 Mbps up through HugheNet satellite. I’ve pulled those segments out for quick viewing:

There were some concerns about VoIP. Rep Hilstrom took issue (around min 34) and was concerned that doing away with landlines will remove consumer protections. Also there was discussion related to the Amendment that changes the budget coming from telecom $2 billion to $977 million reduction – based on reductions coming from changes to VoIP.

SF 1937 is referred to the general register.