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Democrats Surprised About Broadband Cut

Wisconsin.gov

Democrats were surprised this week when the Republican dominated Joint Finance Committee cut $15 million to promote rural faster-speed Internet.

Residents in rural areas, especially businesses and schools, have asked for more funding for what is called broadband, saying they are at a disadvantage to areas that have it.

One of the proponents of the extra funding was Madison area state Senator Jon Erpenbach. Erpenbach says the measure was an attempt to continue development in rural areas...

"...this stems back to a couple of years ago when the federal government offered Wisconsin $30 million dollars for broadband expansion. Governor Walker said no. He turned down federal money  to do what we have to do today, which is very frustrating..."

Erpenbach says the $15 million  was a small amount given the scope of what needs to be done, but it was a start.

Since 2013,  the Walker administration has provided   two rounds of grants to local governments and businesses to expand broadband.

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