Investing in internet access for all Minnesotans

In rural communities throughout Minnesota, roughly 16 percent of households lack access to high speed internet. That means 144,000 households are missing out on the benefits that come with broadband. And that’s simply unacceptable. I’ve heard from school superintendents across our state who are partnering with small broadband providers directly in order to help their students without internet access. These are innovative partnerships that will help our kids during this difficult time.

That’s why — following the announcement that K-12 schools would be closed in response to the pandemic — I worked with Sen. Tina Smith (D-MN) to urge the Federal Communications Commission Chairman to ensure that all K-12 students in our state have access to high-speed internet so they can access online learning. I also introduced legislation with Sen Kevin Cramer (R-ND) — the Keeping Critical Connections Act — to help small broadband providers continue to provide internet services for students and low-income families in rural areas. This legislation would create a $2 billion fund at the FCC that would help these families remain connected to their school, work, and communities.

But there is more work to do and I will continue to press for additional funding so that all students can access the internet at home, regardless of their zip code.