Looks like good news – nice to know Minnesotans are working on rural broadband from the local, state and national level…

Nolan Teams Up with Bipartisan Delegation to Establish Rural Broadband Caucus

[WASHINGTON D.C.] U.S. Rep. Rick Nolan today teamed up with a bipartisan delegation of Representatives to establish the first ever Congressional Rural Broadband Caucus. The caucus will serve to facilitate discussion, educate Members of Congress and staff, and develop policy solutions to the digital divide that exists in rural America.

“Rural America has waited long enough for high-speed broadband,” Nolan said. “It’s a necessity required to start new businesses, create new jobs, help our small town rural economy grow, and modernize the education and health care services so essential to quality of life. So hats off to everyone who helped make this important caucus a reality.”

Nolan recently introduced the Rural Broadband Initiative Act to consolidate hundreds of millions of dollars in rural broadband programs under a single federal office and develop a national strategy to connect the countryside. He also joined Representatives Jared Huffman (D-CA) and Mike Thompson (D-CA) to introduce the Rural Broadband Infrastructure Act, which would make an additional $670 million in federal financing, plus additional loans and grants, available to small communities in Minnesota and throughout the nation.

The Rural Broadband Caucus will be co-chaired by Reps. Kevin Cramer (R- ND), Bob Latta (R-OH), Mark Pocan (D-WI) and Peter Welch (D-VT) with caucus members including Reps. Mike Bost (R-IL), Doug LaMalfa (R-CA), Dave Loebsack (D-IA), Frank Lucas (R-OK), James McGovern (D-MA), Luke Messer (R-IN), Rob Woodall (R-GA) and Rick Nolan (D-MN).