Senate Announces Public Hearing on Rural Broadband Access

(Albany, NY) The Senate today announced that the New York State Legislative Commission on Rural Resources is holding a hearing on improving rural broadband access in our state. Senator Rachel May, Chair of Legislative Commission on Rural Resources, along with Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara will lead the hearing to ensure that we receive informed perspectives to help us better understand the challenges and opportunities associated with rural broadband access. The hearing will also help identify areas of need and to better assure broadband access for rural New Yorkers and to learn about successes and local opportunities that we can expand upon. 

“For our state to continue economic development and growth, we must invest in reliable high-speed internet service, especially in currently underserved areas,” Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said. “Broadband service is essential to small businesses, agricultural institutions, schools, and for New Yorkers’ quality of life. I commend Senator Rachel May for co-chairing this hearing and for her efforts to improve broadband access throughout New York State.”

Senator Rachel May, Co-Chair of Legislative Commission on Rural Resources, said, “In today’s digital world, the widespread lack of access to reliable high-speed internet services places our citizens and businesses in rural areas at a distinct disadvantage. It is critical that we achieve equitable broadband access in order to allow our rural areas to thrive. Internet access is a critical component to all aspects of today’s society -- schools, libraries, local businesses, hospitals, and maintaining the strength of our democracy require reliable access to information and internet services. Holding this hearing in Albany, in collaboration with Assemblyman Fred Thiele and the Assembly Committee on Local Governments, will allow us to formulate workable solutions to improve broadband access, quality, and affordability.”

The hearing will be Tuesday, September 17, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM in Hearing Room A of the Legislative Office Building in Albany. Oral testimony is by invitation only.