STATEHOUSE (April 29, 2021) – Gov. Eric Holcomb recently signed into law legislation supported by Vigo County lawmakers to prioritize broadband access for students, schools and rural clinics.
State Rep. Bob Heaton (R-Terre Haute) 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 legislation, 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. State Rep. Alan Morrison (R-Brazil) 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.
"Certain parts of the state still struggle with access to internet service," Morrison said. "This legislation is a great way to give our rural communities a helping hand by making broadband more available to them."
According to State Rep. Bruce Borders (R-Jasonville), 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.
"Especially in the last year, we've seen how large the gaps in broadband access really are," Borders said. "Getting our students, schools and hospital clinics priority access is the first step in closing this digital divide."
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.
State Rep. Alan Morrison (R-Brazil) represents House District 42,
which includes all of Vermillion County and portions of Clay,
Fountain, Parke, Vigo and Warren counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Bruce Borders (R-Jasonville) represents House District 45, which includes
all of Sullivan County and portions of Vigo, Greene, Knox and Daviess counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
