STATEHOUSE (May 19, 2021) – Legislation supported by State Rep. Jack Jordan (R-Bremen) prioritizing broadband access for students, schools and rural clinics is now law.
Jordan said rural communities throughout the state struggle with quality access to high-speed internet. Currently, Indiana's infrastructure plan includes the Next Level Connections Broadband Grant Program, which is available through the Office of Community and Rural Affairs to supply reliable and affordable broadband service to areas of the state without strong internet connection. With this new law, OCRA must make it a priority to deploy these grants to unserved areas most in need first.
"Indiana is making strong investments on behalf of parts of the state that do not have access to reliable internet service," Jordan said. "We're using the internet in new ways every day, whether attending doctor's appointments or connecting to fellow students. Prioritizing lesser-served communities is the right move to reach our goal of connecting all Hoosiers."
House Enrolled Act 1449 creates a reverse auction for students who can self-report a lack of educational broadband service through a portal on the OCRA website. Jordan said the broadband company that can provide service to the student's household for the lowest amount of money would be awarded the Next Level Connections grant.
A new program will also be created through the law to help schools and clinics cover the cost of obtaining better internet speeds and higher-quality connection.
To learn more about the new laws signed by the governor, visit in.gov/gov/newsroom/2021-bill-watch.
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State Rep. Jack Jordan (R-Bremen) represents House District 17, which includes all of Marshall County and a portion of Fulton County.
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