The International Fall Journal posts a letter to the editor in support of legislators supporting broadband grant funding…

In today’s world, economic development in rural areas needs a lot of serious attention. Young people go off to vocational schools, colleges or to find jobs in other areas. Downtown areas in rural communities have a hard time to stay afloat without a pandemic and worse during a pandemic.

Rep. Rob Ecklund and Sen. Tom Bakk understand that and have taken the lead in the Minnesota Legislature to bring funding to rural areas that build internet infrastructure. Broadband internet is the future. It makes it possible for many to work from home, not have to leave their communities and possibilities for businesses to thrive and grow. This pandemic surely has shown us the importance of the internet for students and their families.