State of the States 2023: Putting Numbers to Broadband

Without a record to point to yet, addresses from new governors tend to be light on details as they grapple with forming their cabinets, articulating policy priorities, confronting economic realities, and delving into budget details. But a clear through-line emerged, nonetheless: Governors are going deep on broadband. Whether an incumbent or newly elected, thanks to a historic infusion of federal funds, governors cited the millions in investment going to bolstering connectivity within their borders, with many getting specific about residents and businesses slated for high-speed Internet. Apart from broadband, tech-heavy initiatives were hard to find in this year’s speeches, though a couple of governors mentioned intentions to “modernize” and “streamline” government operations, which will certainly involve upgraded technology. See an analysis of governor broadband addresses.