Rep Owens Introduces Bill to Facilitate Broadband Expansion

Congressman Bill Owens introduced legislation that would facilitate the expansion of high-speed Internet access to Upstate New York and other rural parts of the nation. In Owens’ continuing efforts to create jobs and develop local economies, the Rural Broadband Initiative Act of 2011 would create an Under Secretary position within the Department of Agriculture tasked with developing a comprehensive strategy to bring expanded broadband access to rural America. The Rural Broadband Initiative Act of 2011 (HR 1083) would serve rural areas in a variety of ways in addition to its intended effect on economic development. Increased broadband access will improve the quality of education students receive in rural areas, allowing for the opportunity to study for, attend and register for classes online. Additionally, it would make rural health care more efficient through electronic medical records, and would improve the efficiency of federal programs.