Missouri Receives Federal Money for Broadband Expansion

Missouri residents are reacting to Governor Jay Nixon's announcement that the state will receive more than $1.9 million from the Federal Recovery Act. The first part of this stimulus money will go to identifying and filling gaps in current internet and cable services provided throughout the state, including rural areas. Some residents, like Ray Adams of Belleview, wonders if this money will help residents who have inferior cable and internet service. Adams said, "I am charged too much for the shoddy service I currently have."

Eweek.com reports that the United States ranks 22nd worldwide in broadband. More than 40 percent of all U.S. homes are not connected to broadband. A federally funded report on the digital future of America claims, "A new, world-class broadband infrastructure will spark the creation of millions more jobs in nearly every economic sector connected to technology and communications."

Missouri Residents wait to if money will stimulate local economies

Missouri residents wonder how the release of this money devoted to expanding broadband services will help local economies. Nixon believes that when this "MoBroadbandNow" infrastructure is complete, 95% of Missourians and Missouri businesses will have access to high-speed internet services at affordable rates.

With a rising unemployment rate throughout the country, some are starting to wonder if the stimulus money sent to various states will have an effect on jobs. The Chicago Tribune has asked whether or not the job numbers being released tell the whole story for Illinois or the rest of the country. The MoBroadbandNow programs does call for programs that will have an immediate cost-savings affect for Missouri residents, such as a allowing certain families to deduct for internet usage costs for children in the household or current low income help provided for telephone plans be applied to broadband usage.

Transparency Options for Missouri Residents

Some Missouri residents are skeptical about attempts at transparency such as what is offered at recovery.gov. Some are turning to the private website recovery.org to get answers. On the state level, the Missouri Accountability Portal strives to provide transparency for projects such as the monies devoted to the broadband expansion. A quick search of current transactions shows that Unemployment Extended Benefits is in the red for $340,092.45.

Sources

"Broadband Private Partners" Transform.Mo.gov

"Billions in stimulus cash for Illinois, but jobs harder to quantify," Chicago Tribune Online

Missouri Governor Jay Nixon's News Release Nov. 30" Office of Missouri Governor Jay Nixon

Derek Turner, "Down Payment on Our Digital Future" Free Press Action Fund

"Plan Calls for $44B in Broadband Spending," Eweek.com