“We know the reality on the ground is that there are just too many places that do not have access,” said Inslee. “So we know that fundamentally the digital divide should not and will not be able to divide those haves and have-nots when it comes to digital and broadband access.”
Inslee’s proposal targets extending the reach of broadband through a variety of programs, including partnerships with public and private providers.
Inslee gave a press conference on his broadband initiative that included Sen. Lisa Wellman, D-Mercer Island, and Rep. Zack Hudgins, D-Tukwila, who will sponsor the bill along with Sen. Shelly Short, R- Addy. The conference also included Washington State Public Works Board Chair Scott Hutsell, Harrington Mayor Justin Slack, and Colville Tribal Council Member Susie Allen.
Slack is a telecommuter for the bank he works for on the west side of the state. He told how access to broadband changed not only his life but the town of Harrington.
“It’s been great. You know, our schools use the Internet. Kids come to the library, they sit out front of our city hall, they come to the coffee shop so they can use the Internet, after school – after hours,” said Slack.
Increased economic opportunity, access to telemedicine, and educational resources are among other issues mentioned by Inslee as key reasons access to broadband improves rural communities.
District 9 Rep. Mary Dye, R- Pomeroy, has been championing broadband expansion statewide and is pleased that Inslee and the Democratic caucus are supporting this issue.
“I’m quite pleased at the direction we are going so far,” said Dye of Inslee’s plan. Dye feels that setting up a statewide broadband office would take time, while real change is already being made with her model that passed last session and is run through the Community Economic Revitalization Board (CURB).
“I think it will meet more of the needs of our state’s citizens by having a multi-pronged approach,” said Dye.
Short has local broadband groups in her district that she says have been working with her office and Inslee’s as the grassroots movement to expand broadband.
“We should end up having many tools in the state,” said Short of Inslee’s plan and of the work Dye is doing which Short sees as complementary.
Inslee believes a small but focused statewide Broadband Office is necessary to get results on this issue. The office would be under the Department of Commerce and cost $1.2 million. The governor also proposed a separate capital funding to create a grant and loan program, administered by the Public Works Board. The board would also award funding for research in to feasibility and strategic planning.
©2019 the Columbia Basin Herald, Wash. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
