The Iowa House and Senate have approved legislation that sets the framework for a large broadband expansion in the state.
The Senate this week approved HF848, which was passed by the House in late March. The legislation sets up the rules for how state grant money can be awarded to companies for broadband projects, including a tiered system that gives higher reimbursement rates to companies working in underserved areas. Republican State Senator Carrie Koelker of Dyersville says an investment in broadband is desperately needed.
“One-third of our counties are broadband deserts,” said Koelker. “We have the second-lowest broadband speed in the country and one-in-five Iowans lack the bandwidth required for video chats. We can do better than that. We’re in Iowa. Broadband is no longer a luxury. It’s critical for our infrastructure.”
While Governor Kim Reynolds has asked for $150 million in each of the program?s first three years, lawmakers still do not have an agreement on a funding level for the program. Democratic State Senator Janet Petersen of Des Moines presented an amendment that would offer discounted internet prices to lower-income Iowans.
“If you apply for the millions and millions of dollars that I believe will be funneled through this program, if you receive money from the state taxpayer dollars, that you will also be required — with guidelines put out by the department — to have a program for low-income Iowans to be able to actually afford to get the broadband in their homes,” said Petersen.
Petersen?s amendment was defeated, with Democrats voting for and Republicans against. Koelker says expanding broadband in Iowa will have a knock-on effect on the entire state.
“This is the type of policy that we need to be a pro-business state,” said Koelker. “This is going to help both large and small businesses grow, increase accessible ability to education and ultimately further Iowa’s position as a place for quality of life. That’s what we’re known for in Iowa; quality of life.”
The bill now heads to Governor Reynolds for her signature.
