WEMTA's Legislative Chair Emily Dittmar Appointed to Governor's Task Force on Broadband Access!

WEMTA is excited to announce that our Legislative Chair Emily Dittmar has been appointed to serve on the Governor's Taskforce on Broadband Access! Emily is one of 24 diverse stakeholders selected by the Governor to prepare a report on Broadband access in Wisconsin and to develop policy solutions aimed at tackling the digital divide. 

"This task force will bring together experts from across the state to research and recommend solutions that state leaders can adopt to connect every person in Wisconsin," said Governor Evers. 

The Governor has charged the Task Force with:

• Researching and recommending forward-looking broadband policies and initiatives that address state broadband goals and needs;

• Promoting the efficient, strategic expansion of the broadband facilities and adoption across the state;

• Exploring and developing solutions, in collaboration with key broadband stakeholders and experts;

• Reporting to the Governor and Legislature, annually by June 30, on:

• Recommendations for facilitating the deployment and adoption of broadband in Wisconsin;

• Appropriate measures of digital inclusion and strategies for addressing identified gaps and inequities; 

• Opportunities for coordination among state, local, and federal agencies; 

• Current and future needs, barriers, and goals regarding broadband access, affordability, and adoption; 

• Opportunities for innovative approaches and partnerships to expand broadband adoption;

• The role of broadband in Wisconsin’s key economic, public, and social sectors, including in education, healthcare, agriculture, manufacturing, industry, Tribal Nations, energy, libraries, public safety, and tourism; 

• The extent to which consumers, health care providers, educational institutions, libraries, and service providers have accessed federal Universal Service Funds; 

• Advances in broadband technology; and 

• The adequacy and appropriateness of existing statutory broadband goals.