state politics: idaho

Idaho House Passes Rural Broadband Bill

By Sharon Fisher, 3-10-08

The Idaho House of Representatives passed this morning a bill to create a broadband network-- especially underserved rural areas—throughout Idaho by directing the Department of Administration to begin the process.

“This kind of legislation could solve a big problem about trying to hire 500 math and science teachers” by increasing the options for interactive courses in rural schools, said Representative Bob Nonini, R-Coeur d’Alene, chair of the education committee and one of the sponsors of the Idaho Education Network bill. “Some of the more rural areas of the state, those children shouldn’t be denied the opportunities that other children have.”

The bill would be funded by private donations by now and through appropriations once the economic outlook for the state is “rosier,” Nonini said.

Passing the bill would also give the state the ability to get federal grants to improve broadband connectivity to rural areas, said Representative John Rusche, D-Lewiston. “That’s how we’re going to get this state wired,” he said.

The bill received wide bipartisan support from all levels of the House and a unanimous vote.

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