Wisconsin GOP Cuts $750 Million from State Broadband Budget

WASHINGTON, September 9, 2024 – Efforts to expand high-speed internet access in Wisconsin have hit a political roadblock, stalled by partisan infighting, according to Democratic Assembly members.

A budget proposal made by Gov. Tony Evers (D) seeking $750 million in state funding to supplement federal broadband dollars was removed during final stages from the state’s 2023-25 budget by Republican lawmakers on the Joint Finance Committee.

Rep. Mark Born, R-Beaver Dam, who co-chairs the Republican-led budget committee, justified the funding removal by noting Wisconsin was set to receive $1.1 billion in federal money to expand broadband through the Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment program, Cap Times reported last Monday.