Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a $4.7 billion supplemental appropriations bill into law March 30. Senate Bill 565, introduced by Sen. Jon Bumstead (R-Newaygo), will provide supplemental appropriations to implement a statewide broadband program.
The new law includes $250 million and eight new full-time positions for the Michigan High-Speed Internet Office (MIHI). The new full-time positions will be responsible for developing a broadband plan that can access more federal dollars in the future. The MHA supports the MIHI funding, which will help Michigan take advantage of available federal appropriations to ensure access to reliable broadband for telehealth.
Members with any questions on SB 565 may contact Sean Sorenson-Abbott at the MHA.