MADISON, Wis. — Thanks to President Biden, Governor Evers, and Democrats in Congress, every single home across Wisconsin will soon have reliable and affordable internet.
Today, 14% of Wisconsin households do not have an internet subscription — meaning that 318,000 Wisconsinites struggle to connect with the rest of the state and world. Funding from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will continue to close this digital divide by allocating at least $100 million in additional funding to expand broadband coverage across the state, while lowering costs and expanding access for low-income families.
Governor Evers previously declared 2021 the Year of Broadband Access and has made increasing access and affordability a top priority. This massive federal investment builds on Gov. Evers’ historic broadband expansion efforts and will continue the work of connecting Wisconsin’s rural and urban communities and small businesses. Read what national and state elected officials are saying about the infrastructure deal’s broadband expansion program:
Vice President Kamala Harris: “We are really focused on what we need to do around issues like internet and accessible and affordable high-speed internet. This is a big issue, I know, for the people in Milwaukee and again around the country. We want to meet the need in each of those geographical locations, rural and urban.”
Governor Tony Evers: “I’m proud we’ve gotten to work providing more than 300,000 homes and businesses with access to new or improved broadband service while fixing more than 1,000 miles of highway and more than 800 state and local bridges. Now, because of President Biden’s efforts to pass this once-in-a-generation infrastructure plan, we’ll be able to build on the progress we’ve made these past two years and continue our work fixing our state’s crumbling roads, investing in lead pipe replacement, and expanding access to broadband across our state.”
Senator Tammy Baldwin: “This bipartisan legislation signed by President Biden will help build a stronger economy and make a real difference in the lives of Wisconsin working families. This investment will expand access to affordable and reliable high speed broadband for Wisconsin families, students, small businesses, and farmers. I am proud to stand on the side of delivering results for Wisconsin.”
Representative Ron Kind: “Access to broadband is a necessity for our farmers, students, small business owners, and families. With the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal, communities across Wisconsin will finally have reliable broadband.”