BRIDGING DIGITAL DIVIDE

BYLINE: States News Service

DATELINE: WASHINGTON

The following information was released by the office of New York Rep. John McHugh:

Innovations in telecommunications have exploded across America, leading to a faster, more advanced flow of information that has spurred job creation within brand new industry. Rural communities, unfortunately, are falling behind their urban counterparts in accessibility to this exciting technology. Simple geography and economic circumstance have presented obstacles in keeping up in the Information Age. In response to this growing digital divide, I have introduced the Rural America Digital Accessibility Act.

As the internet becomes even more integral to our jobs and personal lives, it is crucial that we ensure access to all people. Absence of telecommunications technology has created an inherent disadvantage to businesses and schools within Central and Northern New York. Without state and local government investment, matched by private sector involvement, the digital divide will only continue to grow.

The Rural America Digital Accessibility Act addresses these issues in four specific ways:

Authorizes technology bonds to provide tax incentive for local and state governments that invest in telecommunications infrastructure.

Creates a Broadband Expansion Grant Initiative that would be used to disperse funding for acceleration of private sector deployment of high speed connections.

Helps local businesses connect with colleges and universities to improve technological assistance.

Increases research funding to improve rural America's broadband accessibility and make it more cost effective.

If passed, my bill could help create new jobs, improve the flow of information, and stem migration from rural communities. New technology has and will always be an important part of any economic development effort. By investing resources into our infrastructure, we can better open doors to potential new industry across Central and Northern New York.

This legislation is about leveling the playing field and advancing the quality of life for millions of people across America. Ensuring high speed internet access for all citizens would act to make the entire country stronger, and I will continue to fight for increased telecommunications technology throughout the 23rd Congressional District