LANSING, Mich., Sept. 26, 2024 — State Rep. Jenn Hill’s (D-Marquette) House Bill 5682 passed the House chamber yesterday. The bill would exempt broadband grants from income tax, thereby increasing the funding available to expand access to high-speed internet across the state. Currently, broadband expansion grants from the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law are subject to state taxation as they are seen as income for entities deploying broadband across the state. Following the bill’s passage, Hill issued the following statement:
“Economic growth and development is impossible these days without access to high-speed internet. I want to help more people stay and succeed in the U.P., and my legislation will help bridge the digital divide in rural communities. This legislation will help seniors access necessary medical appointments, allow students to reliably take online classes and let small-business owners reach more customers across the state.