Phillips hears from city leaders struggling to access broadband, moves plan to connect more communities
WASHINGTON, DC – Last week, Rep. Dean Phillips (MN-03) helped pass H.R. 2, the Moving Forward Act, aimed at rebuilding America’s infrastructure. The legislation includes an amendment authored by Phillips to help suburban communities access highspeed broadband as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic pushes Minnesota schools, businesses, and consumers to do more online.
In frequent communication with Minnesota mayors and city administrators, Phillips learned that a lack of provider competition and a donut hole in federal broadband grants has left many communities in Minnesota’s Third District unable to access adequate broadband deployment. Smaller suburban cities and towns, such as Chaska, Chanhassen, and Medina, do not qualify for rural broadband grants, leaving local leaders few options to secure highspeed broadband for their residents. Continue reading “Phillips Broadband Plan Passes In House Infrastructure Package As Pandemic Pushes Minnesota Students, Families, Businesses To Do More Online”