Governor Announces Plan to Increase Broadband Access in Missouri’s Rural School Districts
Just as urban areas do, living and working in a rural area presents many unique opportunities and challenges. In today’s increasingly tech-driven and interconnected world, one of the biggest challenges facing rural areas is an inability to access high-speed internet service. As state senator of a predominately rural district, I’m very pleased to report that the governor has announced a new effort to bring broadband access Missouri’s rural school districts.
There are over 100 school districts throughout the state that don’t have high-speed internet access, with many of them located in the 12th Senate District. Having fast, reliable internet service is no longer an option for schools; it is a necessity they must have in order to provide the type of 21st Century education and learning opportunities our students will need to succeed and be competitive in their future careers.
The governor’s plan includes an appropriation of $6 million in Fiscal Year 2018 state funds. This initial investment will unlock $39 million in matching federal E-Rate program funds and fills whatever gaps may remain. This will ensure every Missouri school can participate and get whatever new construction they need to have broadband access, without having to use a penny of their own funds.
This new initiative is a big step forward on the path to bringing quality broadband access to Missouri’s rural schools. It is my hope this effort will spark even more investment by companies in rural broadband technology. I know the businesses and citizens of Missouri’s 12th District would love to have broadband access, and I’m supportive of anything we can do to make it happen.
As always, please feel free to call, email, or write with your ideas or concerns. My Capitol office number is (573) 751-1415, my email is dan.hegeman@senate.mo.gov and my mailing address is Room 332, State Capitol Building, Jefferson City, MO 65101.