Democratic Governors Association

Contribute

Chip in to protect our blue firewall!

If we want to stop the Republicans' dangerous agenda, defend reproductive rights, and protect our democracy, we have to keep pace with the GOP's millions in fundraising. Please don’t wait: rush your gift to elect Dem govs >>

Dem Govs Get it Done: Govs. Laura Kelly, Ralph Northam, and Tony Evers Deliver Broadband Expansion for Thousands of Families and Businesses

Share

Democratic governors continue to lead the way to expand broadband, fighting to secure high-speed, affordable internet for all Americans.

Today, the Topeka Capital-Journal reported that Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly will soon release a broadband expansion plan to put Kansas’ broadband access in the top 10 states by 2030. “We’re being bold. We’re being ambitious. We’re being aggressive,” said Lt. Gov. and Commerce Secretary David Toland.

Gov. Kelly established the Office of Broadband Development last year — in that time, it oversaw infrastructure investments leading to over 74,000 new hookups for households, businesses, and community institutions. The broadband expansion will build on the booming Kelly economy, which has led Kansas to “its best investment year ever.” 

Earlier this year, Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam invested $700 million in expanding broadband, putting  Virginia on track to be one of the first states in the country with universal broadband service. This investment has bolstered Virginia’s ranking as the best state for business in the country.

In Wisconsin, Gov. Tony Evers has dubbed 2021 the Year of Broadband Access. Gov. Evers is investing $100 million for the next round of the State Broadband Expansion Grant Program. Evers’ leadership on this issue has provided or will provide more than 300,000 Wisconsin homes and businesses with access to new or improved broadband internet.

“Whether it’s going to school, working from home, or running a small business, broadband is essential to ensuring our families, communities, and our state bounce back from this pandemic even better than we were before it hit,” said Gov. Evers.

“By expanding broadband access, Democratic governors are keeping families connected, supporting children’s learning, and attracting new businesses and new jobs,” said DGA Communications Director David Turner. “Big challenges need even bigger solutions, Govs. Laura Kelly, Ralph Northam, and Tony Evers, among others, are delivering.”

###