Senate Democrats Champion Expanded Broadband
Contact Name: Sara Persechino
Phone: (603) 271-3479
Email: Sara.Persechino@leg.state.nh.us
CONCORD - Today, the Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs Committee passed Amendment #1339s to HB 1111, moving forward efforts to expand broadband access across the state. The amendment was sponsored by Senator Jay Kahn (D-Keene), Senator Jeanne Dietsch (D-Peterborough), and Senator Jeb Bradley (R-Wolfeboro).
After the committee vote, Senator Jay Kahn (D-Keene) and Senator Jeanne Dietsch (D-Peterborough) issued the following statements:
“Access to consistent broadband was a problem before this crisis and now presents additional inequities. The loss of access to public libraries and community centers means home Internet is crucial in providing educational equity, as well as access to telehealth care and the ability to work remotely. Our goal is to ensure public funds are used efficiently to leverage private investment to deliver high speed internet service to every door in NH, the last mile,” stated Senator Jay Kahn (D-Keene).
“Letting rural communities combine into communications districts helps everyone,” added Senator Jeanne Dietsch (D-Peterborough). “In unserved areas, people cannot sell their houses, children cannot learn remotely and people cannot work from home. This reduces our viable housing stock. It pressures more people to move into well-served towns, that then have to over-develop. This raises the cost of living in those towns. Amendment 1339 provides more tools to correct a lack that is holding back the economy of this state.”
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