PEORIA — State Sen. Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) wants all Illinoisans to have access to reliable high-speed internet. He therefore leads the charge of bringing services to the rural areas of the state.
“When it comes to internet access and connectivity, rural communities have been left behind,” Koehler said. “This has created an opportunity gap that only widens the longer we wait to implement real and lasting solutions.”
Nearly 1.5 million homes across the state lack broadband broadband, and rural Illinois is 10% less likely to have broadband than urban and suburban Illinois, a deficit of infrastructure that has serious economic consequences.
Senate Bill 2247 establishes a tax credit equal to 15% of the cost of equipment and materials for companies that provide broadband Internet services in counties with fewer than 40,000 inhabitants or in townships whose population density is less than 50 households per square mile in the counties. with less than 300,000 people.
The legislation aims to encourage internet service providers to bring high-speed broadband to rural areas of the state, creating connections that will lead to more jobs, wealth and public safety benefits. for Illinois as a whole.
“This legislation has the potential to increase broadband access in nearly 70 counties across our state,” Koehler said. “By encouraging this investment in our rural communities, we will strengthen local and statewide economies and create opportunity for all Illinoisans.”
Senate Bill 2247 is referred to the Senate Committee on Revenue.
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