Rep. Zack Hudgins (D – Tukwila) wants his fellow lawmakers in the state Legislature to get behind a package of bills that build on his past work that accelerates the groundwork for reaching every corner of the state with broadband internet connections. Hudgins saw first-hand the benefits brought to areas lacking internet services. “You want to talk about economic stimulus; Washington is the most trade-dependent state in the country. Without access to quick, reliable internet service, students will miss opportunities to explore the world beyond their textbooks, and small businesses will continue to struggle to move their products anywhere but locally.”
Hudgins’ package of bills received a public hearing in the House Committee on Technology and Energy & Communications today. He plans to work with stakeholders to reach consensus before a full vote of the House. Hudgins believes it’s important to get this strategy in place sooner rather than later, as Congress is poised to pass a federal stimulus package that includes a massive influx of $9 billion for a national Broadband Technology Opportunities Program, expanding service and computer center capacity.
