Our First District Farmers Deserve Reliable High-Speed Internet

We are nearly six months into a public health crisis. Many Americans are continuing to work from home, and students across the country are returning to school.

In many ways we have adapted to working remotely, but it has only emphasized the digital divide that still exists in 2020. Those without the luxury of reliable internet, predominantly folks in rural and agricultural areas, struggle to stay connected. This is especially true in the First Congressional District, where we have a strong agricultural community. It’s why broadband access has been my top campaign priority.

Our First District farmers rely on information that’s essential for them to survive, including access to real-time weather, and soil and crop analysis data applications that would help them with the necessary needs to allow their businesses to grow. Having a fast and reliable internet connection enables access to online markets throughout the United States and the world, and could sell locally produced products online. Without faster speeds, many businesses in rural areas can only use the internet to make sure they appear in web searches.

On my first day in office, I plan to introduce legislation that would establish a Rural Broadband Expansion Authority. This will cut government waste and streamline our system so farmers can get connected.

I want our rural communities to thrive and experience economic growth. That’s one of the many reasons why broadband is so important to me. Fast and reliable internet will make rural communities more attractive to potential new businesses, residents, and investments. Additionally, internet access can potentially be life-saving, as it would extend health care access through telemedicine, greatly reducing the necessity of long-distance travel to doctors’ offices.

My opponent, Rob Wittman, has introduced legislation that would require the FCC to set up yet another grant program, funded at $500M over five years, to expand broadband access to underserved communities. However, this proposal doesn’t do enough.

The problem with Wittman’s plan is that federal funds don’t always end up serving the communities with the most need, and officials tend to organize data geographically by census tracts. This means that underserved regions appear to have broadband access since they’re included with neighbors who do, although that is not the case.

Also, many programs require local matching funds which communities not as fortunate can’t afford, on top of a mixture of programs that create overlaps and duplications. This makes the entire effort slow and inefficient.

Our economy will be stronger if we help our agricultural communities to be safe and connected. When elected, I will work to make sure that everyone in the First District receives reliable internet and the resources needed to succeed.