Washington Business Fall 2018 | Legislative Review & Vote Record | Page 16

2018 legislative review
Bridging the Digital Divide
Momentum is building as awareness grows about the vital
importance of rural broadband, which has become a basic need
for families and commerce.
Andrew Lenderman
At A Glance
Rural broadband bills gained some
traction but ultimately died
before becoming law in this
year’s Legislature.
Broadband internet is emerging as
a top priority for rural economic
development and making
sure Washington’s economic
expansion extends to rural as
well as urban counties. It’s also
developing into a basic utility that
people use to work remotely, sell
products or take college
classes, for example.
Access to fast, reliable broadband
internet remains a major priority
for the Rural Jobs Task Force and
AWB is committed to working
with lawmakers and stakeholders
to advance this issue in 2019.
Milt Doumit of Verizon testifies in support of Senate Bill 5935, a rural broadband bill, before
the House Technology & Economic Development Committee on Feb. 22.
Washington lawmakers introduced several bills this year aimed at increasing access to
fast, reliable broadband internet in rural communities.
An estimated 200,000 to 400,000 people in rural Washington lack access to
broadband, which has evolved into a basic utility for many families and businesses.
While none of the bills became law, AWB’s recently established Rural Jobs Task Force
has succeeded in increasing attention to the state’s digital divide.
And the work will continue in 2019.
“We’re disappointed that we didn’t see a bill pass this year,” AWB Government Affairs
Director Mike Ennis said. “But rural broadband will remain a priority for AWB and the
Rural Jobs Task Force. We will continue to engage our lawmakers on solutions that can
help all of Washington succeed.”
Rural Washington is falling behind the rest of the state as the Pacific Northwest
goes through a major economic expansion. Fast and reliable broadband internet is one
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