March 29, 2024

Expanding broadband for Iowans

With today’s rapidly changing economy, we know broadband and Internet access have become essential parts of our daily lives. These have also become critical issues for small businesses that need to connect with customers around the globe, and who also need workers with strong computer and technology skills.

We also know that students with access to broadband at home are 6 to 8 percent more likely to graduate. That means it’s important to make sure homes have access to the Internet, but it’s also imperative that every school has access to technology and broadband to train the next generation of workers in Iowa.

Iowa has long been a leader in keeping Iowans connected with new technology. While some Iowans do have access to broadband, our goal now must be to expand broadband to under-served and unserved communities and neighborhoods.

This year, we’re all working together — Democrats, Republicans, and the governor — to connect more Iowans to the Internet. Right now both the House and Senate are working on different ideas to expand broadband. While we know there is no silver bullet, I’m optimistic we’ll find consensus on a plan before we adjourn for the year that doesn’t leave any community, school or business behind.

I’m committed to working in a bi-partisan manner on issues, like broadband in rural areas, to bring good-paying, quality jobs to Iowa. Unfortunately, two of the bills debated this week have nothing to do with our most critical concerns: jobs and the economy.

The House majority party chose to debate bills that revolved around hot-button topics and promoted partisan, divisive politics. I voted against two bills promoting unreasonable policies.

House File 573 was passed by the House majority party. It mandates that a woman have a forced ultrasound and sonogram after making the personal and difficult decision to end a pregnancy. This procedure would be forcefully administered to victims of rape, incest, and cases where the woman’s life is in danger.

We also debated a bill related to firearms that included a lot of different ideas. While there were several parts of the bill I support — including giving more tools to law enforcement officials to stop violence and making gun safety training more accessible — I did not support the bill on the final vote because portions of the bill would allow kids five years old and younger to handle a pistol or revolver while legalizing lethal firearms on school grounds.

I heard from constituents on both bills. I support what you call for — moderate, reasonable policies. Clearly, Iowans deserve better than these extreme, divisive proposals. I voted against them and then got back to work on ideas to promote the middle-class, our local communities and schools.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your State Representative. Please consider coming to the Capitol for a visit or contacting me this session with your thoughts, concerns and ideas for Iowa's future and Jasper County's comeback. It belongs to all of us!
I'm proud to represent Newton, Colfax, Baxter, Mingo, Kellogg, Prairie City, Lambs Grove, Ira and Valeria. I look forward to hearing from you at 641-521-9260 or dan.kelley@legis.iowa.gov.

Visit my website at www.electkelley.com. Friend me on Facebook and follow me on Twitter.