Contact: Kate Constalie, kate.constalie@legis.wi.gov, 608-266-5490
Democrats call on Attorney General to defend internet access
MADISON, WI – As the Trump administration works to undermine internet access, Wisconsin Democrats are calling for action. Thirty-five state lawmakers are urging Attorney General Brad Schimel to join 18 state attorneys general from around the country who have stepped up to protect internet consumers.
“For rural communities, access to broadband is crucial to their success and this repeal will be detrimental for those already struggling to access affordable internet,” said Senate Democratic Leader Jennifer Shilling (D-La Crosse). “Almost every Wisconsin citizen, business and community relies on broadband to support economic growth. This is another example of Republicans favoring big corporations over working families.”
Trump’s Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Ajit Pai’s plan to scrap the Obama era reform that requires internet service providers to treat all web traffic equally was approved by the FCC Commission on a party-line vote. As a result, consumers will end up paying higher prices for fewer choices.
At a time when Wisconsin is ranked 49th for internet speed and over 230,000 residents don’t have wired internet providers, Democrats want to invest in rural broadband projects that can help close the digital divide, create new jobs and open up small communities to an abundance of new opportunities.
