The state Senate recently passed House Bill 2071, legislation designed to improve access to high-speed internet in underserved communities, a moved applauded by state Sens. Camera Bartolotta (R-Greene County) and Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-York).
The bill creates the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority which would be tasked with creating a broadband plan that allows the state to apply for federal infrastructure money. It also would serve as a point-of-contact for federal funding.
“Students from rural communities like the ones I represent have been at a severe disadvantage since the start of the pandemic when directed to do school at home because many do not have access to the internet,” Bartolotta said. “Moreover, if we want to attract quality employers to our state – and the family-sustaining jobs that they bring – we must provide an environment where they can conduct their business.”
“Taxpayers do not care if it’s federal funding, state funding, or local funding – it all comes out of one wallet,” Phillips-Hill said. “Decisions were made at the federal level to provide this funding, so it is the duty of the General Assembly to ensure that every dollar allocated for this problem is spent for its intended purposes and not wasted on boondoggles that simply do not close our digital divide.”
The bills heads to the House of Representatives for a concurrence vote.