Rep. Tranel Votes to Expand Rural Broadband

State Representative Travis Tranel (R – Cuba City) was proud to cast his vote today in favor of expanding broadband services to rural areas of the state. Assembly Bill 123 passed the Wisconsin State Assembly on a unanimous vote of 98-0. The legislation invests $15.5 million into increasing broadband services in underserved areas of the state.

“Reliable internet service is a necessity for businesses and education in the 21st Century,” said Rep. Tranel. “I was happy to cosponsor this bill. It is an important step in ensuring that all areas of Wisconsin are on level playing field when it comes to instruction and economic development.”

Expanding broadband services is one of the priorities of the Rural Wisconsin Initiative. Assembly Bill 123 now moves to the Senate for consideration. A similar bill authored by State Senator Howard Marklein (R – Spring Green) passed the Senate unanimously in April.

The legislation passed today also extended the Technology Educational Achievement grant program for another two years. This program makes available $7.5 million in grant funds to rural schools and libraries for technology improvements.