Rural Republican lawmakers propose boost in broadband funding

Rural Republican lawmakers are proposing millions more in funding to improve internet access in Wisconsin.

State Rep. Romaine Quinn (R-Rice Lake) and State Sen. Howard Marklein (R-Spring Green) are circulating a bill in the Legislature that would add $15.5 million to the Rural Broadband Expansion Grant program, a fund administered by the Public Service Commission to reimburse companies for expenses of extending internet service in rural areas. Money for the grants would come from transferring $6 million from the Universal Service Fund, which offers help to low-income residents who live in parts of the state where phone and internet service rates are high. Another $5 million would come from federal money the state receives to fund technology at schools and libraries. The rest would come from other USF program surpluses, according to the bill draft.

Katy Prange, a spokeswoman for Marklein's office, said that the funding from USF will not result in any cuts to its other programs. All USF programs are fully funded, she said. The proposal expands on legislation enacted in 2016 that funneled $10 million into the grant program for broadband infrastructure.