The (Worthington) Globe reports…
As U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar looks toward providing continued COVID-19 relief to Americans through proposed legislation, she sought feedback Friday from four Minnesota mayors — including three from southwest Minnesota.
Worthington’s Mike Kuhle, Luverne’s Pat Baustian and Pipestone’s Myron Koets all participated in a call with the senator, during which she asked them to outline their communities’ economic and public health needs. Also in attendance was Marshall Mayor Bob Byrnes.
Broadband was on the shortlist…
In addition to aid for small businesses and greater vaccine access, other community needs include help acquiring technology for education and broadband expansion, Kuhle told the senator.
Baustian added that Rock County was the first Minnesota county to secure border-to-border broadband, and that move has proven to be an asset during pandemic distance learning.
Klobuchar noted that any infrastructure bill that doesn’t include broadband is unlikely to pass.