Tuesday, Nebraska State Senators voted 37 to 0 to advance LB 996, Broadband legislation from the first round of debate to select file. Center for Rural Affairs Policy Director Johnathan Hladik says Senator Bruce Bostleman spoke in favor of the bill saying its needed for Nebraska to show it deserves federal support for funding better access to broadband.

He says LB 996 calls for creation of crowd sourcing, which the Public Service Commission can use to show the federal government the need for broadband service.

Hladik says without LB 996 in effect, Nebraska’s only eligible for a pittance of the funding for broadband access.

Hladik says he’s optimistic about the chances of final passage of LB 996 due to its unanimous first round backing.