This morning, the Michigan Democratic Party hosted a roundtable discussion with MDP’s Rural Caucus Chair Cathy Albro, Kent County Democratic Party Chair Bill Saxton, and Grand Traverse Democratic Party Chair Chris Cracchiolo to laud the $100 million investment in broadband internet access in President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
As the Chairs discussed, these investments will bridge the stark digital divide in rural areas of Michigan, so even in the most remote areas across the state, folks can stay plugged in and connected. The Chairs highlighted that it’s past due time for every Michigander to have internet access and expanded on how the investment in broadband will ensure small businesses can reach more customers, make internet in rural areas more affordable, and level the playing field so high speeds are available to everyone in the Great Lakes state — all thanks to President Biden and Democrats in Congress.
Here’s what those joining today’s call had to say about President Biden’s historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that will bridge the digital divide across the state:
Michigan Democratic Party Rural Caucus Chair Cathy Albro:
- “Thanks to the Biden-Harris administration and Michigan Democrats, tens of millions of dollars will go to increasing service lines, investing in faster fiber-optic lines for the 14% of Michiganders who don’t have access to services at all, and make internet more affordable.”
- “When I lived in Barry County, the WiFi was $150 a month and it was horrible. With the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, rural Michiganders will also have more affordable, high-speed options.”
Kent County Democratic Party Chair Bill Saxton:
- “President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will provide Michigan with $100 million to widen access to high-speed internet and ensure the 398,000 people in Michigan who currently lack internet service get access – yet Rep. Meijer voted against it.”
- “I would be remiss not to thank Senator Gary Peters who was instrumental in the $100 million for internet coming to Michigan. Because of him and other Michigan Democrats, Kent County and the Greater Grand Rapids area is on the way to becoming a better place than before because we’re taking the time to invest in our infrastructure.”
- “While Republicans spent four years talking about Infrastructure Week without delivering results, President Biden delivered on infrastructure and a massive economic recovery bill in less than 10 months.”
Grand Traverse County Democratic Party Chair Chris Cracchiolo:
- “The $100 million from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will make sure no one in GT County is left behind again. This means money invested in fiber-optic power lines that will bring not only internet access, but high-speed internet access. This means money invested in building power lines for rural areas of GT County that didn’t have them before so everyone is connected, not just a select few. And it means internet access will be more affordable for everyone.”
- “And just think – every time a new power line is set up that’s a sign that a new job has been created just for this moment — and it’s all thanks to President Biden and Democrats in Congress who pushed for this legislation.”
- “After already failing to vote for the American Rescue Plan that quite literally rescued many in Grand Traverse County, it’s awful that Congressman Bergman decided he wasn’t going to vote for an investment in our community and people again. For years to come, while money is invested in our community for the things we need most, Rep. Bergman will not be able to take an ounce of credit for it.”
