HOLLAND (WHTC-AM/FM) — Casco Township Republican Rep. Mary Whiteford testified this week before Michigan’s House Communications and Technology Committee on her House Bill 5670, which would establish the “Broadband Investment Act,”
Under Whiteford’s bill, a seven-member board comprised of representatives from townships, counties and telecommunication providers would document Michigan communities with little or no broadband internet service and create policies for funding improvements.
In introducing the bill and her testimony before the communications and technology committee, Whiteford said residents in her district’s 21 townships have raised this issue often. She said some families drive around looking for wireless access are restaurants or libraries so their children can do homework, much of which is online.
Should the bill become law, it would allow any entity to make donations in cash or in other assets. Michigan’s treasurer would manage fund investments. Members fo the board would decide which communities would get broadband grants. Any money left in the fund at the end of each fiscal year would be retained and not sent to the general fund.
Board members would serve four-year, unpaid terms but would be able to submit expenses to the state for reimbursement.
