LRB-4739/2
CMH:cjs
2015 - 2016 LEGISLATURE
February 11, 2016 - Introduced by Representative Considine. Referred to
Committee on Assembly Organization.
AR26,1,4
1Relating to: requiring the Committee on Assembly Organization to work with the
2Executive Branch to identify, pursue, and secure existing and future streams
3of federal funds for broadband infrastructure and access on behalf of the State
4of Wisconsin.
AR26,1,75
Whereas, the State of Wisconsin was awarded $22,978,367 in federal
6broadband funding through the Broadband Technology Opportunities program from
7the U.S. Department of Commerce in March 2010; and
AR26,1,148
Whereas, this funding was intended to deploy broadband infrastructure in
9unserved or underserved areas; provide broadband access, awareness, training,
10equipment, and support to community anchor institutions (such as schools, libraries,
11and medical facilities), organizations and agencies serving vulnerable populations,
12or job-creating strategic facilities that are located in economic development areas;
13provide improved broadband access to public safety agencies; and stimulate demand
14for broadband, economic growth, and job creation; and
AR26,2,4
1Whereas, the federal grant funding awarded, along with state matching funds,
2was expected to expand fiber optic networks in 82 schools (including eight technical
3colleges) and 385 library facilities and generate 150 full-time equivalent contract
4jobs associated with the grant; and
AR26,2,55
Whereas, the state rejected the federal broadband grant in February 2011; and
AR26,2,76
Whereas, the state has struggled to adequately fund public education, training
7programs, and transportation and infrastructure projects; now, therefore, be it
AR26,2,9
8Resolved by the assembly, That the Wisconsin State Assembly regrets the
9rejection of federal broadband funding; and, be it further
AR26,2,12
10Resolved, That the body hereby directs the Committee on Assembly
11Organization to work with the Executive Branch to identify, pursue, and secure
12existing and future streams of federal funds on behalf of the State of Wisconsin.
