LEMOYNE, Pa. — The Pennsylvania State Grange congratulated the PA House of Representatives for passing House Bill 2438 sponsored by Rep. Clint Owlett (R-Tioga/Potter/Bradford) on October 21. The vote was unanimous, 201-0.
A legislative priority of the Grange, House Bill 2438 facilitates upgrading of existing electric lines in rural areas to allow for high-speed Broadband. The Pennsylvania State Grange worked closely with the PA Rural Electric Association and the PA Telephone Association to achieve this goal. Technically, the House vote was agreeing with Senate amendments to HB 2438, something that had to happen before the bill could be sent to Governor Tom Wolf for his signature.
The Pennsylvania State Grange issued a statement from Legislative Director Vince Phillips.
Passage of House Bill 2438 is a huge step forward in achieving the goal of universal access to high-speed Broadband for rural Pennsylvanians because it already builds on existing electric lines. That is more cost-effective than building an entirely new infrastructure out to underserved areas. To the Grange, Broadband is to this century what rural electrification was to the 20th Century. This is essential technology for the 21st Century. It is fitting that this bill reached the finish line first in the General Assembly’s legislative process as it reminds Pennsylvanians of the leadership of the rural electric cooperatives both now and in the 1900s.
–Pennsylvania State Grange