Policymakers

Jason Kronemeyer, the Director of Technology at Eastern Upper Peninsula Intermediate School District (EUPISD), has been relentlessly working towards enhancing educational outcomes in the region. Along the way, he grew into the role of a broadband champion. Jason's fervent desire to accelerate student learning, coupled with unconventional strategies of “connecting the dots” over decades have played an essential role in attracting infrastructure construction and driving broadband adoption.

Matt Varilek is fortunate as the new Commissioner of Minnesota’s Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) to have internet that is fast enough for him to have remote meetings at home in rural Benton County (MN). But not everyone in Greater Minnesota has that ability, which is why delivering broadband across the state is a passion of his.

Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) was ousted as House speaker after failing to withstand a rebellion among far-right dissidents, as the House voted for the first time in history to remove its leader and entered a period of unpredictability and paralysis. Rep. McCarthy later announced he would not seek the position again, setting up an expected intraparty battle for the position second in line to the presidency. House Republicans now need to select a new leader and find consensus for funding the government by mid-November or again risk a shutdown.

Director of the Illinois Office of Broadband, Matt Schmit, has been working for over 20 years in economic development, and began his public interest career as a grad student at University of Minnesota. There, he spent his spare time doing consulting work with local communities to take stock of their connectivity needs and make use of federal broadband funding programs.

Governor Gavin Newsom (D-CA) selected Laphonza Butler—the President of the nation’s largest organization dedicated to electing women, EMILY’s List—to complete the United States Senate term of the late Senator Dianne Feinstein, which runs through 2024. Butler, a longtime senior adviser to Vice President Kamala Harris, labor leader, and advocate for women and working people, will be the first openly LGBTQ person to represent California in the Senate.

The reconfirmation of Commissioners Starks and Carr will allow the FCC to get down to business without worrying about possible disruptions. Commissioner Starks has provided stalwart support for media diversity and rapid broadband deployment, especially to those people and places that too many others have neglected. Benton does not always agree with Commissioner Carr, but in a time of deep partisan division, we do very much appreciate his collaboration on many issues, especially on spectrum matters.

On Sept 30, the US Senate unanimously voted to confirm Geoffrey Starks and Brendan Carr to serve another term as Commissioners on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Senate Commerce Committee Chairwoman Maria Cantwell (D-WA) said, “Americans need a fully-equipped FCC that is ready to deliver on an agenda that puts consumers first.

I am deeply honored to serve another term on the Federal Communications Commission. Day in and day out, this agency helps build a more innovative, secure, and equitable America. I’m thrilled to continue advancing that mission on behalf of the American public – and on a Commission that is operating at full strength. I would like to express my sincerest thanks to President Biden for his nomination and to Leader Schumer, Minority Leader McConnell, and Chair Cantwell for their support during the confirmation process. I also would like to congratulate Commissioner Carr on his confirmation.

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"The internet’s open design is revolutionary," said Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. "It means creating without permission, building community beyond geography, organizing without physical constraints, consuming content you want when and where you want it, and cultivating ideas not just around the corner but around the world...I believe it is essential that we sustain this foundation of openness—and that is why, for as long as I have served on the FCC, I have supported net neutrality."

Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo appointed Sean McDevitt, a partner with international management consulting firm Arthur D. Little (ADL), to serve on the Board of the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority). McDevitt has been a member of ADL’s telecommunications, internet, technology and private equity practice areas since 2017. He brings 30 years of private sector experience specializing in business development, business expansion, leadership, account management, and client project delivery for telecommunications and technology sectors.