48th in the nation.
48th means your home is worth 5-10% less to the average prospective buyer.
48th means nearly 50% of West Virginian's will give up on shopping at West Virginia business websites before buying anything.
48th means our children are at a disadvantage as more and more educational resources move online.
48th means your aging loved ones don't have access to top medical care through TeleHealth and new assisted living technologies that could dramatically improve the quality of their lives.
Broadband and internet access are critical to business growth, education, attracting talent, and even our home values.
There is a solution, but we need to act now.
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Legislation that would create a West Virginia capable of attracting and retaining young talent, getting our loved ones access to the technology they need to thrive, and making our state competitive in the modern global economy is being presented right now.
Make your voice heard.
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House Bill 3093
Summary: Establishing Broadband Enhancement and Expansion Policies
The purpose of this bill is to establish Broadband Enhancement and Expansion Policies. The bill moves the existing Broadband Enhancement Council into a new chapter, and sets forth additional duties and responsibilities for the council. The bill additionally authorizes the establishment of cooperative associations for the purpose of obtaining internet services. It also establishes new policies and protocols for microtrenching and make-ready pole access. Finally, it makes it an unfair and deceptive practice for an internet service provider to advertise or contract for “up to” speeds. --
(Source)
Senate Bill 614
Summary: Relating to expansion of broadband service
All relating to the expansion of broadband service to unserved areas of West Virginia by providing loan insurance for commercial loans used for the expansion of broadband service to unserved or underserved areas; establishing limits and conditions on the insuring of loans; establishing interest rates; establishing amortization periods; providing for security interests; setting forth the responsibilities of the West Virginia Economic Development Authority, the West Virginia Board of Treasury Investments and the Broadband Enhancement Council; providing that the members of the West Virginia Board of Treasury Investments do not have a fiduciary responsibility with regard to the loans; providing for notice for loan insurance; providing for hearings and appeal; and making technical changes.
WONDERING HOW BAD YOUR INTERNET IS?
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West Virginia Needs to Attract Young Talent
“This bill would give us the fastest and most affordable fiber optic backbone in the United States,” says Senator Walters. “My generation understands the importance of broadband connectivity, speed, and availability and they’re looking for opportunities to grow businesses in states with this type of access.”
West Virginia Needs to Attract Young Talent
“This bill would give us the fastest and most affordable fiber optic backbone in the United States,” says Senator Walters. “My generation understands the importance of broadband connectivity, speed, and availability and they’re looking for opportunities to grow businesses in states with this type of access.”
West Virginia State University completed a study which showed that creating a broadband middle mile would
create 4,000 jobs and increase the state GDP to $919 million just one year post-completion.
Increasing broadband access is absolutely critical to West Virginia becoming a top destination for entrepreneurs and Millennials to live and work.
This issue is critical to the future of our state.
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Let your legislators know that 48th is not ok.
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