KALAMAZOO — Representative Christine Morse has sponsored legislation that would bring more high speed internet access to Michigan homes and businesses. The bill is part of a broader package to ensure Michigan has the capacity to compete in an increasingly internet driven economy.
The bill, House Bill 5039, would provide resources for broadband mapping. This would give the state accurate information about where improvements are needed so that tax dollars are spent efficiently.
In a statement provided by the office of Representative Morse, she stated, “We can’t begin to fix an issue until we understand the full scope of the problem. 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.”
In addition to her bill, Morse also supports the other bills in the package that 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 Communications & Technology Committee in the House of Representatives where committee chair Representative Michelle Hoitenga has not announced a hearing.
