STATEHOUSE (April 29, 2021) – Gov. Eric Holcomb recently signed into law legislation supported by State Rep. Bob Heaton (R-Terre Haute) to prioritize broadband access for students, schools and rural clinics.
Heaton said rural communities throughout the state struggle to get 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 good internet connection through the Office of Community and Rural Affairs. Under this law, OCRA must make it a priority to deploy these grants to unserved areas most in need first.
"Using money from the grant program provides unserved and underserved Hoosiers the chance to obtain a reliable internet connection," Heaton said. "Not having broadband access can be a roadblock for clinics to provide quality care for their community, or for others needing to work or study from home."
The new law creates a reverse auction for students who can self-report a lack of educational broadband service through a portal on the OCRA website. Heaton 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.
A new voucher 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 stay up-to-date on legislation being considered for new laws by the governor, visit in.gov/gov/newsroom/2021-bill-watch.
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State Rep. Bob Heaton (R-Terre Haute) represents House District 46,
which includes portions of Clay, Monroe, Owen and Vigo counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
