After receiving overwhelming support in the Ohio House, HB-13 has been waiting in the wings, anticipating a nod from the Ohio Senate. However, as WOSU-FM reports, the bill expired and will need to be reintroduced as a new bill when lawmakers reconvene.
“It had overwhelming support from both chambers and from the governor’s office. I’m quite frankly dumbfounded,” said State Representative Rick Carfagno.
The intent of HB-13 has been to free up $20 million in state grants for broadband providers. Reports indicate that there are approximately one million underserved households in Ohio. An additional 300,000 households have no broadband connection at all. When no voices were raised in opposition in the Ohio House, Carfagno says he does not understand how the Ohio Senate could have failed to vote on the bill.
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