Legislation to improve Broadband access in Nebraska has made it out of a Senate Committee and has been prioritized for full Senate debate. Center for Rural Affairs Policy Manager Johnathan Hladik says the main federal funding for broadband comes through the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund and LB 996 in the Unicameral would help ensure Nebraska gets a shot at that income to improve access.

He says the main problem with lack of broadband access is that federal data fails to correctly show who has access and who doesn’t.

Hladik says because LB 996 got such great support in committee, he’s encouraged it’s chances for passing the full legislature is good.

Hladik says having access to broadband services is critical for businesses, farmers and ranchers as well as for education for young people and health care.