Minn. Panel Advances Broadband Workforce Bill Despite ISP Concerns

The telecom industry continued to raise concerns about a Minnesota broadband safety and workforce bill. SF-4742 would set aside a portion of federal broadband, equity, access and deployment (BEAD) program funding for companies that agree to workforce “best practices” including payment of prevailing wages and annual skills training. At a livestreamed Wednesday meeting, the Minnesota Senate Energy Committee amended the bill and voted 8-6 to advance it to the Agriculture Committee. The committee delayed voting on the bill Monday after multiple senators and the telecom industry raised concerns that it would slow high-speed internet expansion (see 2403180048). Sponsor Sen. Jennifer McEwan (D) said she had “productive” talks with stakeholders during the previous 48 hours, leading to a Wednesday amendment with “more inclusive language.” There still isn't “perfect agreement," said McEwan, but talks will continue. The amendment doesn’t resolve the Minnesota Cable Communications Association’s concerns, testified the association’s counsel, Anthony Mendoza. Then "this bill still has more work to do," responded Sen. Andrew Mathews (R), who voted no on clearing the legislation. Sen. Glenn Gruenhagen (R) also opposed the bill, saying the state should have a “level playing field” when seeking grants. The Wireless ISP Association opposed SF-4742 in a Wednesday letter to the committee. The bill’s proposed changes to state broadband law “will significantly impair WISPA members’ ability to compete for grant dollars, will delay important broadband expansion projects, and will put increased strain on an already challenging workforce availability landscape,” the association wrote.