As a resident of a rural community, District 47 State Senator Erin Houchin says she understands the importance of having high-speed internet readily available. While broadband has increased in our state, some areas still lack access, affecting hundreds of thousands of Hoosiers – many of whom live in Senate District 47.
According to the Federal Communications Commission, more than 40 percent of rural Hoosiers lack high-speed terrestrial broadband access. This puts communities at a disadvantage as students cannot adequately access online assignments and entrepreneurs cannot reach new customer bases to expand their businesses.
Last session, Houchin authored Senate Bill 356, which ultimately passed as House Enrolled Act 1065 and was signed into law by Governor Eric Holcomb.
House Enrolled Act 1065 creates a grant program for qualifying broadband deployment projects in unserved areas of the state and defines upload and download speeds for “qualified broadband service.”
Houchin states that House Enrolled Act 1065 is a big step for Indiana toward reaching their goal of having broadband internet access available to all communities in the state. With reliable access, families, students, farmers, entrepreneurs and businesses alike will be better able to use the internet to the best of its ability and reach the national global economies.
Houchin emphasizes that high-speed internet is critical for all Hoosiers, and this technology is often taken for granted where access is easily available. She says it remains a priority of her’s to ensure Hoosiers have access to these vital services. Houchin says she will continue working with colleagues around the state to bridge the digital divide in rural Indiana.
If you have any thoughts or questions regarding these or other issues, please contact Senator Houchin by email at Senator.Houchin@iga.in.gov or by phone at 800-382-9467.
Houchin represents Indiana Senate District 47, which includes Crawford, Orange, Harrison, Perry and Washington counties, and eastern Dubois County.
