Michigan Farm Bureau (MFB) is encouraging members to contact the state’s Congressional delegation to support two pieces of legislation aimed at increasing broadband expansion in rural communities.
“Alongside the American Farm Bureau Federation, we’re asking Congress to support the Eliminating Barriers to Rural Internet Development Grant Eligibility (EBRIDGE) Act, which has been introduced in both the U.S. House and Senate, as well as the Broadband Internet Connections for Rural America Act in the U.S. House,” said John Kran, MFB’s national legislative counsel.
Officially H.R. 3193 and S. 1695, the EBRIDGE Act would remove hurdles for broadband projects, including difficult last-mile efforts that often delay rural broadband deployment. Additionally, H.R. 4374 (as amended in committee) would provide additional investments in USDA rural broadband programs that prioritize the most underserved areas.
“While our representatives and Sens. Stabenow and Peters are in-district for the summer, it’s a great time for Farm Bureau members to connect with them,” Kran added. “Broadband access is a necessity that’s yet to be sufficiently met in our rural communities and we don’t want Michigan to be left behind.
“Adequate and affordable access to high-speed service enables us to continue to tap into new opportunities for health care, government services, education and local businesses.”
Related: broadband - engaging lawmakers during August
Messages can be easily sent to your representatives and senators by visiting https://bit.ly/MIConnect or texting the phrase MICONNECT to the number 52886.
While a prewritten message is provided, members are encouraged to consider adding a personal story about how your family is impacted by this issue.
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