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Klobuchar Calls for Broadband Investments as Part of Economic Recovery Plan
Says broadband critical for nation's short-term and long-term future
January 7, 2009
Washington, D.C. – In her first floor speech of the 111th Senate, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar today advocated for strengthening the nation’s broadband infrastructure as a way to jump-start the economy. Klobuchar said that incorporating these investments into the upcoming economic stimulus bill would help struggling communities, especially those in rural areas, by expanding educational, health care and employment opportunities.
“In these tough economic times, broadband deployment will create jobs – not only the direct creation of jobs in the tech sector, but also the creation of even more indirect employment opportunities by increasing access to broadband.” said Klobuchar. “After visiting rural communities in Minnesota to discuss economic conditions during the last two months, I heard first-hand from people about the importance of making sure they have access to fast and affordable broadband.”
Klobuchar noted that the United States is falling behind other nations in Internet access. According to the International Telecommunications Union, the U.S. ranks 24th in the world in broadband penetration.
In the U.S., rural access and usage is significantly lower than the national average. Broadband service is becoming increasingly important for job creation and economic development. During her speech, Klobuchar cited a recent study by the Brookings Institution, which estimates that every one percentage point increase in broadband penetration per year would lead to the creation of nearly 300,000 new jobs.
Earlier this month, Klobuchar sent a letter to President-elect Obama urging him to include investments in broadband in the economic recovery plan that the Senate is expected to consider in the coming weeks.
Klobuchar serves on the Senate Commerce Committee, which has authority over telecommunications issues. She cosponsored the Broadband Data Improvement Act (S. 1492), which was signed into law in October. The legislation will improve the quality of the data collected by the federal government on broadband services. It also authorizes a grant program for states to create statewide broadband initiatives.
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