Rep. Hudgins’ broadband plan survives legislative cut-off

Bill would expand high-speed internet deployment across state

February 13, 2008

OLYMPIA - A proposal by Washington State Representative Zack Hudgins (D – Tukwila) to increase broadband internet access across the state beat the legislative cut-off and remains alive for further consideration in the 2008 legislative session.

Hudgins believes high-speed internet access increases educational and economic development opportunities. It’s been a factor in better public safety measures and better health care, all of which contribute to a better quality of life for citizens wherever access is available.

“Rarely do we have the opportunity to change lives as rapidly and dramatically as we do with increased access to high-speed internet connections,” said Hudgins. “It means our students can visit a museum in Rome, a local business can promote its products in Tokyo, and our doctors can diagnose and treat a patient hundreds of miles away.”

Yet despite its measurable benefits, Hudgins’ proposal has faced some setbacks due to budgetary constraints. As time began to dwindle during this short 60-day session, Hudgins’s bill language contained in SHB 2559 was incorporated into a companion senate bill in order to keep the measure alive past the cut-off date.

The Senate’s version, SB 6438, is sponsored by Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles (D – Seattle). It has passed their fiscal committee and now awaits a final Floor vote. Hudgins is hopeful the bill will garner enough support in the remaining weeks before the session ends to pass into law.

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