Wisconsin Business Council: Applauds governor for Signing Telecom Modernization Act

Contact: Brian Taffora, 608-252-9245

Bipartisan Jobs Bill Will Encourage More Broadband Investment, Job Growth in Wisconsin

MADISON – The Wisconsin Business Council released the following statement today after Governor Walker signed into law the Wisconsin Telecom Modernization Act:

“We applaud Governor Walker for signing into law this bipartisan jobs bill.

“To compete in a 21st Century global economy, Wisconsin must have a 21st Century infrastructure, including a modern telecommunications infrastructure. This new law will ensure Wisconsin is able to compete by updating old regulations that have been hindering investment, the development of new infrastructure, and the expansion of new technologies like broadband.

“By modernizing the law, Wisconsin will now be in a position to attract private sector investment in broadband technology, which is critical to job creation and our state’s economic competitiveness. Wisconsin companies use broadband as part of their business model for numerous purposes. It has become a way of life for our businesses and an important component of Wisconsin’s economic infrastructure, with thousands of jobs supported or created annually because of broadband investment.

“We applaud the Legislature for passing this bill and the Governor for signing it into law. This measure will ensure Wisconsin remains competitive and is able to attract the private investment and job growth we need to get our economy moving again.”

Special Session Senate Bill 13, the Wisconsin Telecom Modernization Act, passed the Assembly (80-13) and the Senate (25-8) on wide bipartisan votes on May 11. Governor Walker signed the measure into law today at the 101st Annual Wisconsin State Telecommunications Association Conference in Lake Geneva.

The Wisconsin Business Council is an organization that seeks to support Wisconsin’s economic climate and quality of life through collaboration, improved public policy, and private sector initiatives. For more information, please visit http://www.wibusiness.org.