Last year, a bill was introduced about allowing broadband access rural Iowa areas but it didn’t make it to the governor’s desk, but some lawmakers are hopeful to get it passed through this session.

District 47 Representative Chip Baltimore was one of the legislators that was in favor of the initiative.  He points to rural economic development as the driving issue for his districts of Greene and Boone counties to make sure that businesses get access to broadband internet.

“We want to make sure that when those companies put their private capital and their private money to invest in telecommunications, cable and fiber that we do everything we can to make sure that they succeed.  And at the same time that they are serving as many people as possible.”

District 24 Senator Jerry Behn doesn’t believe that the state government should be involved in helping private businesses get access to broadband internet.

“You certainly don’t want to get into the point where you think the state itself is going to get involved and try to deliver those services.  And so we want to do what we can to encourage private business and private investment to handle those needs.”

The topic is expected to be addressed again this legislative session.