Sen Shaheen Leads Bipartisan Effort to Prioritize Broadband Access for Small Businesses

Sen Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) announced that she’s reintroduced bipartisan legislation with Sens Kennedy (R-LA), Ernst (R-IA), Hirono (D-HI), Risch (R-ID) and Markey (D-MA) that would improve programs operated by the Small Business Administration (SBA) to address problems associated with a lack of broadband internet and other emerging information technology resources, and better assist small businesses in accessing and successfully adopting these tools. Specifically, the Small Business Broadband and Emerging Information Technology Enhancement Act would make the following improvements to the SBA’s approach to broadband:

• Directing the SBA Office of Investment and Innovation to designate a senior employee to serve as the broadband and emerging information technology (BEIT) coordinator;
• Providing SBA employees BEIT training to assist small businesses in the use of such technologies;
• Reporting on a biennial basis regarding the programs and activities of the SBA relating to broadband and other emerging information technologies;
• Requiring the SBA Chief Counsel for Advocacy to evaluate the impact of broadband speed and price on small businesses; and
• Making services such as assistance in accessing and using BEIT an authorized activity of small business development centers (SBDCs).