Last week, we approved a bill that invests heavily in expanding broadband access to unserved and underserved Minnesota communities. The broadband funding was part of a comprehensive agriculture, broadband, and housing bill.

As we’ve learned over the last few years, reliable internet is becoming a necessity for nearly every facet of life. Despite historic investments over the past few years, Minnesota still faces gaps in coverage, particularly in more rural parts of our state. The legislation passed last week continues to target underserved and unserved areas and ensures more Minnesotans have access to the quality broadband they need to succeed.

The legislation directs a historic level of up to $210 million of federal money to improve Minnesota broadband which is on top of the $70 million the legislature passed last session. The Senate bill works to ensure Minnesota is not left behind in receiving federal broadband dollars.

Investments in the Border-to-Border Broadband grant program have become increasingly important to connect all Minnesotans to the modern economy. Roughly 240,000 Minnesota households are without reliable internet access, including 25% of rural Minnesota households.