March 30, 2021 SACRAMENTO – A cross-sector coalition urges Governor Gavin Newsom to connect Californians with a one-time, $8 billion investment in high speed 100 Mbps broadband infrastructure and programs. The broad-based group representing education, health, local government and economic policy organizations believe bold investment in broadband infrastructure and support services is critical to improving health, equity, education and the economy statewide now and for years to come.
The coalition includes California Association of School Business Officials, the California Hospital Association, California Forward Action Fund, California School Boards Association, California State Association of Counties, Rural County Representatives of California, Small School Districts’ Association and the Urban Counties of California.
A recent report commissioned by the CPUC found the cost of building future-proof fiber connections to every unserved building and house in the state would be $6.8 billion. Included in the budget ask is $2.2 billion to construct a statewide middle-mile network with open access fiber and $4.6 billion to provide 100/10 Mbps fiber optics to buildings and houses currently without it. READ MORE California State Association of CountiesNews & Resources – California State Association of Counties The CSAC Bulletin is a weekly electronic newsletter that covers the latest state legislative and budget news, as well CSAC and county information our members find useful. Sign up to receive the Bulletin every week here.
