The Nebraska Farm Bureau is supporting LB 388, the Broadband Bill introduced by State Senator Curt Friesen of Henderson. That measure was put in at the request of Governor Pete Ricketts that calls for increased broadband access in Nebraska. Farm Bureau President Mark McHargue says broadband connectivity is critical in rural Nebraska.

He says State Senators are looking at a number of broadband bills but LB 388 is the most important because it calls for the legislature to invest $40 million over the next two years to expand that access.

McHargue says there are several areas that need reliable broadband access including education, business, agriculture and the health care industry.

Testimony on LB 388 was heard in the Nebraska Legislature’s Transportation and Telecommunications committee this week.