State Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-York), chair of the Communications and Technology Committee, said Wednesday that the committee would hold a series of public hearings on high-speed internet access across the state.
The hearings will focus on issues surrounding why high-speed internet access is crucial for Pennsylvania residents, farmers, doctors, emergency responders, local elected officials, students, teachers, and employers.
Individuals representing a broad range of public entities will testify before the committee.
“As someone who represents many residents who lack broadband access, I understand that without high-speed internet, we are limited in so many areas of our economy and uncompetitive with other states,” Phillips-Hill said. “These public hearings will explore all implications of what broadband deployment means to our Commonwealth’s future.”
The Committee will hold a hearing focused on job creation and local government perspectives on Aug. 7 in Indiana County with Sen. Joe Pittman (R-Armstrong/Butler/Indiana/Westmoreland); a hearing focused on emergency response and medical perspectives in Sept. 3 in Monroe County with Sen. Mario Scavello (R-Monroe/Northampton); and a hearing focused on the benefits of high-speed internet for agriculture and education on Sept. 5 in Fayette/Somerset County with Senator Pat Stefano (R-Fayette/Somerset/Westmoreland).
After the hearings, the committee will hold a recap hearing at the state Capitol when the Senate reconvenes in September.
“Deploying high-speed internet across the state is a shared goal for me and many of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle,” Phillips-Hill said. “However, it’s key that we have as much information and accurate data to ensure we do this correctly and in a way that respects the taxpayers.”