STATEHOUSE (April 12, 2021) – Legislation authored by State Rep. Ed Soliday (R-Valparaiso) prioritizing broadband access for students, schools and rural clinics could soon be law.
Soliday 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 Soliday's legislation, OCRA must make it a priority to deploy these grants to unserved areas most in need first.
"The pandemic really highlighted the gaps in broadband availability, and that's why we should prioritize access for students, schools and hospital clinics that are most in need," Soliday said. "For those unable to connect with others or do not have adequate internet speeds for school or work, it's a huge disadvantage. Clinics serving patients need the access to continue providing top notch care for their communities. Passing this legislation and using money from the grant program to fund and help Hoosiers who are underserved is a key step in getting the rest of the state connected."
Soliday's bill would create a reverse auction for students who can self-report a lack of educational broadband service for their home through a portal on the OCRA website. He 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 voucher program will also be created through the legislation to help schools and clinics cover the cost of obtaining better internet speeds and higher quality connection.
House Enrolled Act 1449 now heads to the governor for consideration as a new law. For more information, visit iga.in.gov.
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State Rep. Ed Soliday (R-Valparaiso) represents House
District 4, which includes a portion of Porter County.
Click here for a high-resolution photo.
