International Falls Journal: Greater Minnesota Jobs and Economic Development Division approves new broadband development investments

EXCERPT: “The House Greater Minnesota Jobs and Economic Development Finance Division last week approved legislation authored by Rep. Rob Ecklund (DFL – International Falls) to increase funding for high-speed broadband internet across the state. Additionally, the bill, HF 3029, strengthens both distance learning and telemedicine under the COVID-19 pandemic with new investments. ‘Working, learning, and receiving health care services remotely is impossible without reliable internet access, and COVID-19 has highlighted the difficulties many Minnesotans face without high-speed broadband,’ Ecklund said. ‘There is a considerable need in greater Minnesota where thousands of families still lack any access, and this bill is a significant step forward to ensuring all students, families, and businesses can have the broadband access they need to succeed.'” FULL STORY: https://fluence-media.co/2SwQIxy