Expanding internet access, closing ‘digital divide’ on the table for lawmakers this session
8 Jan 2021
News
Two Texas lawmakers are proposing legislation aimed at closing the “digital divide” in the state, as the coronavirus pandemic has highlighted the essential need for internet access.
State Sen. Robert Nichols, R-Jacksonville, and State Rep. Trent Ashby, R-Lufkin, announced Friday that they’ve worked together and each will introduce bills aimed at making sure Texans both have access to internet service and the ability to subscribe to it. The legislative session begins next week, and according to their release, Gov. Greg Abbott has said he wants broadband development to be a priority on his agenda.
First, the bills want Texas to create a Broadband Development Office and a Broadband Development Program, which will later be able to create a plan for the entire state. Right now, Texas is one of six states in the U.S. that does not have a plan and “is regularly left at a disadvantage when seeking out precious federal dollars because no such plan has been enacted,” according to the release.
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Royse City is home to a growing number of young professionals and families. The average age within the city is 32 years old, and the educational attainment is higher than the national average. This has led to a population that is active, educated, and earns around $90,000 per year - far more than the national average. With 15,000 new homes in some stage of development, the city’s growth is expected to continue for some time. As it does, investments are being made in parks and recreation and the local school district.
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