Kankakee Times

Sen. Patrick J. Joyce (D-Park Forest) took to social media and his website to announce the signing of House Bill 4700, which will increase Illinois’ ability to capture federal funding for broadband under the federal Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act.

"Striking a balance in closing the digital divide between both unserved and underserved areas will give our children access to more opportunities and put them on a path for success, Joyce posted.

Joyce's bill brings more legislative oversight and allows the public to give input on how broadband funding is allocated. This proposal was originally brought forward early in the session but went into the final BIMP bill.

"Bringing access to the internet to every citizen in Illinois is crucial. This initiative helps Illinois capture up to $1.6 billion in federal dollars to expand broadband services," Joyce said.

Joyce isn't the only legislator who has been concerned about broadband access. Last year, U.S. Rep. Mary Miller (R-Shelbyville) touted the importance of bringing connectivity to rural areas. "The pandemic has highlighted the critical issue of demand and access for high-speed internet," Miller wrote. "For example, access to health care in rural areas can be a challenge, which urban dwellers cannot understand. "It can be dangerously far away," she continued. "With broadband, telemedicine can offer online doctor video calls and other necessary health care."