United States Wolf Tender

Governors Office of Broadband Initiatives Acting Executive Director Sheri Collins joined teachers local officials community leaders and entrepreneurs from around Sullivan County for a roundtable discussion about the regions lack of access to high-speed internet. Attendees also discussed how the bipartisan Restore Pennsylvania proposal could help municipalities close the digital divide.It is hard to believe that in the 21st century with the technology available so many residents of Sullivan County dont have reliable access to high-speed internet Collins said. Its past time to act to provide statewide broadband access and increase educational and business opportunities for Sullivan County and Pennsylvania. We owe it to our residents our students and our businesses and entrepreneurs.Restore Pennsylvania the 4.5 billion bipartisan proposal funded through a commonsense severance tax will provide funding to completely bridge the digital divide in every community in Pennsylvania. Funding will be available to support installation of infrastructure to bring high speed internet to every corner of the commonwealth.Nearly a million Pennsylvanians today lack access to robust reliable high-speed internet. Local municipalities cannot fund broadband infrastructure themselves. If passed into law Restore Pennsylvania will support every phase of the process from feasibility testing to connection at a level far beyond any existing funding mechanisms.The Sullivan County Board of Commissioners has prioritized improving our citizens access to suitable and reliable internet said Sullivan County Commissioner Brian Hoffman. Weve done this by attempting to work with existing providers operating in our county to enhance their current services. Were also encouraging the exploration and use of new technologies. Restore Pennsylvania is a no-brainer since improved internet services would positively affect other issues we chase such as education economic development medical services and emergency services.Restore Pennsylvania is a statewide plan to aggressively address the commonwealths vital infrastructure needs. Funded through a commonsense severance tax Restore Pennsylvania is the only plan that will help make Pennsylvania a leader in the 21st century.