According to Senator Dan Stec, legislation requiring the state agency that regulates utilities to review high-speed broadband access has been included in the state budget negotiations.
Under the Broad Broadband Act, the State Public Service Commission would be required to post a detailed access card on its website listing the internet service by location and hold four public hearings between the public and internet service providers to fill in gaps in the service. The bill was included in both the Senate and Assembly’s one-house budget proposals.
Stec, R-Queensbury, co-founded a bill passed by lawmakers last year to require detailed broadband analysis. Governor Andrew Cuomo vetoed the legislation in January because the $ 3 million cost was not included in the budget.
“The veto was a disappointment, especially after waiting so many months for the executive to take action,” Stec said in a press release. “The governor’s office promised to do something on budget, but it didn’t. Legislators are now taking action by proposing to include the legislation in the new state budget due April 1st. “
“The governor’s promise to provide high-speed Internet for everyone has not been fulfilled,” said Stec. “The COVID crisis has highlighted the disadvantage of not having broadband, and addressing this problem should be a priority for our state.”
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