This Just In: House Democrats Release Economic Stimulus Bill (and Good News for Broadband Supporters)

Created by Anna Gould (EDUCAUSE) on January 15, 2009

This morning House Democrats unveiled their economic stimulus plan, which they are referring to as the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The $825 billion package includes $550 billion in new spending and $275 billion in tax cuts. Of particular interest to the EDUCAUSE community, though, is the six billion dollars it would devote to expanding broadband access. If you add in further provisions, the bill currently allows for a total investment of about eight billion dollars in broadband-related stimulus projects.

According to a summary provided by CongressDaily, the bill provides funding for expanding "broadband internet access, so businesses in rural and other underserved areas can link up to the global economy." Such an investment will "provide business and job opportunities in every section of America with benefits to e-commerce, education, and healthcare."

Only months ago the notion that broadband funding would appear in an economic recovery bill was seen as unlikely. While the eight billion dollar figure does not reach some of the higher figures proposed, it is a significant achievement and a great start for the future. As one insider said, this is a "shot in the arm" for the economy, broadband access, and progress.

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		This Just In: House Democrats Release Economic Stimulus Bill (and Good News for Broadband Supporters) Created by Anna Gould (EDUCAUSE) on January 15, 2009 This morning House Democrats unveiled their economic stimulus plan, which they are referring to as the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The $825 billion package includes $550 billion in new spending and $275 billion in tax cuts. Of particular interest to the EDUCAUSE community, though, is the six billion dollars it would devote to expanding broadband access. If you add in further provisions, the bill currently allows for a total investment of about eight billion dollars in broadband-related stimulus projects. According to a summary provided by CongressDaily, the bill provides funding for expanding "broadband internet access, so businesses in rural and other underserved areas can link up to the global economy." Such an investment will "provide business and job opportunities in every section of America with benefits to e-commerce, education, and healthcare." Only months ago the notion that broadband funding would appear in an economic recovery bill was seen as unlikely. While the eight billion dollar figure does not reach some of the higher figures proposed, it is a significant achievement and a great start for the future. As one insider said, this is a "shot in the arm" for the economy, broadband access, and progress. Washington Update \| broadband \| Economic Stimulus \| National Broadband Policy Anna's blog Login or register to post comments 189 reads
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