Bill Text: VA HJR100 | 2018 | Regular Session | Prefiled
Bill Title: Internet; recognizes that broadband access is basic infrastructure.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2018-02-13 - Left in Rules [HJR100 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2018-HJR100-Prefiled.html
WHEREAS, high-speed Internet has become basic infrastructure, just like roads and electricity, access to which is a critical necessity in the 21st century; and
WHEREAS, the Federal Communications Commission recognizes high-speed Internet as the 21st century's essential communications technology and is working to make broadband spectrums used for high-speed Internet as ubiquitous as voice communication; and
WHEREAS, businesses need broadband to attract customers and employees, job seekers need broadband to find jobs and training, and children need broadband to get a quality education; and
WHEREAS, broadband can also provide other benefits, including lowering the delivery costs and improving the quality of health care and enabling people with disabilities and Americans of all income levels to participate more fully in society; and
WHEREAS, a lack of broadband coverage continues to be a problem in many areas of the Commonwealth, especially in rural areas; and
WHEREAS, these communities could benefit from strategies that bridge the broadband deployment gap, which may include fiber optic and wireless technology solutions, public-private partnerships, and regulated markets that offer a choice of service providers and competitive prices; and
WHEREAS, without broadband infrastructure and services, unserved and underserved areas of the Commonwealth risk exclusion from participation in the growing digital economy; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly recognize that broadband Internet access is a critical necessity in the 21st century; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates transmit a copy of this resolution to the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, requesting that the agency further disseminate copies of this resolution to their respective constituents so that they may be apprised of the sense of the General Assembly of Virginia in this matter.
