As Congress starts planning its next coronavirus relief package, Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) has shared her new plan for rural America exclusively with Vox.
Here’s what it says about broadband…
Rural broadband and more funds for state and local programs
Rural broadband: One issue Democrats have long wanted to address as part of a larger infrastructure package is the lack of high-speed broadband internet in many rural areas. Klobuchar argues that’s especially important now, as families must shelter in place and do work and school from home. It’s also essential for unemployed workers trying to apply for benefits from home. It could take months to develop an infrastructure program, so Klobuchar proposes additional funding to the E-Rate program to provide wifi hotspots to students who don’t have broadband at home.
On the same topic, the Duluth News Tribune points on the connection between broadband and business…
Small businesses also need relief, Klobuchar said, and rural Americans need expanded access to broadband. As families shelter in place, millions of adults are working from home and children are learning online. She also said Congress should take action to expand child care access, reformulate education funding to offset rural school districts’ higher costs and support affordable housing.
