RICHMOND — Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, children did their schoolwork at McDonald’s and workers sat outside of libraries to check their emails. Internet was important before the pandemic, but the
Nneka Chiazor
Last year brought increased visibility to the importance of broadband. With many Virginians teleworking, students distance learning, and businesses trying to stay afloat by offering services online, broadband was at the epicenter of how we managed our ânew normal.â
As we start the first chapter of 2021, I have no doubt that keeping people connected in the truest sense will remain a hot topic especially when it comes to broadband and internet connectivity, as was indicated in the recent op-ed by Tim Dempsey. The fact is, itâs a complex issue with two very important yet different components intertwined in the conversation: accessibility and affordability.
A Northern Neck partnership working to bring fiber-optic broadband to 7,500 unserved locations has gotten another $8.5 million in federal grants for a total of $18.8 million in funding.
The additional money marks the second time in two weeks that the partnership, which involves an assortment of businesses and government entities, has gotten financial support for the regional fiber-to-the-home broadband network. The project will serve homes and businesses in King George, Northumberland, Richmond and Westmoreland counties.
âThe last few weeks represent a watershed moment in our long journey,â said Jerry W. Davis, executive director of the Northern Neck Planning District Commission. âThere is a lot of work to be done, but weâre in a better position than ever before and the objective is finally in sight.â
House of Delegates Passes Amended Biennial Budget
RICHMOND, VA Today the Virginia House of Delegates passed the amended 2020-2022 biennial budget (HB 1800) by a vote of 68-30.
The House’s package of budget amendments will fund policies that support the House Democratic Caucus’s 2021 agenda aimed at building a better Virginia. This fiscally responsible budget will also protect the Commonwealth’s “AAA” bond rating by placing an additional $130 million into Virginia’s revenue reserves.
The House Appropriations Committee released its recommended amendments to the FY 2020-2022 budget on February 10.
The updated budget includes funding to:
Protect Virginia Families
Improving education by allocating $231.4 million for five percent teacher pay raises
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