Rep. Russo statement as bill to expand access to residential broadband signed into law

COLUMBUS— State Rep. Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington) announced today that House Bill (HB) 2, a long-held Democratic priority that creates the Ohio Residential Broadband Expansion Program, was signed into law. The program is specifically designed to bring broadband access to unserved residential households in both rural and urban areas of the state. The bill funds $20 million in grants for this year. 

“Broadband access plays a huge role in both our economic recovery process and sustainable growth,” said Rep. Russo.  “The State of Ohio must do all in its power to mitigate the challenges, opportunity gaps, and inequities Ohioans have long faced. Bringing broadband access to unreserved residents in both rural and urban areas of the state in an important first step towards ensuring an Ohio where its citizens can build better lives, thrive, and achieve brighter futures."

Currently, 300,000 households representing an estimated one million Ohioans lack access to reliable high-speed internet.