Duluth News Tribune endorses Rob Ecklund for Minnesota House District 3A. His support/leadership with broadband is a factor…

He has been a consistent supporter of industry, including copper-nickel mining, and a champion for broadband, Minnesota veterans, education, ATV trail building, and more.

And…

Last year, with Ecklund leading the way, the Legislature put $40 million into border-to-border broadband, one of the largest investments in internet access in state history. And just in time, with COVID-19 forcing Minnesotans to work or go to school from home like never before. Reliable internet is a must, much like electricity and telephone service were a century ago. “We found out it wasn’t nearly enough,” Ecklund said of the allocation. “The first year (there were) $20 million (available), and there were $79 million worth of requests for projects. So we know there’s more work to do.”