STATEHOUSE (May 6, 2021) — Legislation supported by State Reps. Ryan Lauer (R-Columbus) and Jim Lucas (R-Seymour) prioritizing broadband access for students, schools and rural clinics is now law.
Lauer said rural communities throughout the state struggle with quality access to broadband and high-speed internet. Currently, Indiana's infrastructure plan includes the Next Level Connections Broadband Grant Program, which is available to supply reliable and affordable broadband service to areas of the state without strong internet connection through the Office of Community and Rural Affairs. With this new law, OCRA must make it a priority to deploy these grants to unserved areas most in need first.
"The pandemic certainly exacerbated the need for Hoosiers to be able to connect with one another online," Lauer said. "It's important to prioritize access for those who are currently living in underserved areas, because they cannot afford to fall further behind."
House Enrolled Act 1449 will create a reverse auction for students to self-report a lack of educational broadband service through a portal on the OCRA website. Lucas said the broadband company that can provide service to the student's household for the lowest amount of money will be awarded the Next Level Connections grant.
"Even before the pandemic, many businesses and students were using the internet daily for a number of reasons," Lucas said. "Now is certainly the time to invest in the state's broadband infrastructure so that every Hoosier has reliable broadband access regardless of where they live."
According to Lucas, a new voucher program will also be created to help schools and clinics cover the cost of obtaining better internet speeds and higher-quality connections. He said Indiana's recently passed biennial budget also allocates an additional $250 million in broadband expansion.
To see all the new laws signed by the governor, visit in.gov/gov/newsroom/2021-bill-watch.
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State Rep. Ryan Lauer (R-Columbus) represents House District 59,
which includes portions of Bartholomew County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Jim Lucas (R-Seymour) represents House District 69, which includes
portions of Bartholomew, Jackson, Jennings and Jefferson counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
