On Thursday, Governor Scott Walker called on the State Legislature to pass a proposed bill that allocates roughly $35 million immediately in the next session for broadband expansion and technology programs, like the Technology for Educational Achievement (TEACH) program for the next three fiscal years. The announcement came at the Muehl Public Library in Seymour.
“The money will go to expand broadband in areas of the state that need it the most,” said Governor Walker. “The bill would also provide an additional $22.5 million for grants allowing school districts, technical colleges, libraries, and other learning institutions to improve their technology and in turn, improve education for our students.”
The governor revisited Outagamie County, which was the first county that held his more than 70 listening sessions over the previous year.
The legislation Governor Walker proposes hopes to build upon past efforts to bolster broadband service, including the Broadband Grant Program, which provides reimbursement for equipment and construction expenses as communities work to expand or improve their broadband services.
“As we continue to compete in a global economy, it is necessary for our small businesses, schools, and households to have access to reliable internet service. Looking at videos on YouTube or watching your favorite show on Netflix through a reliable internet connection is something many of us in Wisconsin take for granted, but for many others, modern services are still out of reach.”
This plan triples the state’s investment as it works toward building an infrastructure where every community is able to connect to fast and reliable internet service.