LANSING, Mich., June 18, 2021 — State Rep. Christine Morse (D-Texas Township) has introduced legislation as part of a broad package to help bring high-speed internet to more Michigan homes and businesses. House Bill 5039 would provide resources needed for broadband mapping to ensure we have accurate information about where improvements are needed.

 

“We can’t begin to fix an issue until we understand the full scope of the problem,” Morse said. “Broadband mapping will allow us to identify underserved areas in need of high-speed internet. During my time on the South Central Michigan Planning Council, we actively sought to provide resources for accurate broadband mapping. I’m proud to continue that work on a statewide scale and provide the information we need to begin bringing high-speed internet to more Michigan homes and businesses.”

 

Additional bills included in the package would:

  • Appropriate $400 million in available federal funding to expand high-speed internet access to underserved areas across Michigan.
  • Allocate $25 million to help schools purchase mobile hotspots for students.
  • Codify the Office of High-Speed Internet, recently announced by the governor.
  • Make high-speed internet more affordable to working families.

 

The bills have been referred to the House Committee on Communications and Technology.

 

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