Erie County Legislator Ed Rath introduced a resolution in support of expanding rural internet access across areas of New York State. The resolution was approved in the Legislature’s Government Affairs Committee and will receive full approval of the Legislature Thursday, October 8.

Legislator Rath’s resolution calls on Governor Cuomo to sign the Broadband Connectivity Act, which directs the Public Service Commission to conduct a study determining the level of access to high speed-internet across the state. Many rural sections of New York, including parts of Erie County, still don’t have full access to broadband internet speeds.

Legislator Rath said, “High-speed internet has been lacking in rural areas for too long. With many kids and adults working from home because of COVID-19, this is especially problematic. We are calling on Governor Cuomo to sign this bill that would take a closer look at which areas still need access to broadband internet speeds. I think the state will find there is a lot of work left to do to ensure everyone in every community has the access they deserve. I am proud to have the support of my colleagues in the Legislature on this initiative and look forward to receiving full approval next week.”

A copy of the resolution can be viewed here.