Issue Position: Infrastructure

Issue Position

Roads and High Speed Internet

I support public infrastructure improvements to roads and bridges but ALSO to improving access to high speed internet and cellular phone service.

Spending for public infrastructure projects is crucial, especially for the people of the 11th Congressional District. These voters contend daily with outdated mountain roads leading to isolated communities. Tourism, the largest industry in the district, requires modern roads, bridges, water systems, and sewerage treatment to attract and keep attracting visitors to our mountains. But improvements to roads and highways are also important to the people who live in the district and who travel long distances to shop, go to school, and to seek emergency medical treatment.

Infrastructure improvements must be a public, not a private, venture. The plan recently proposed by the Trump administration allows private interests to make billions of dollars off taxpayers by imposing tolls and choosing which projects to build based on profitability. Improvements should serve ALL people, not just those who profit from toll roads and private utility systems.

Infrastructure is more than roads and water supplies. It includes access to high-speed internet and cell service for every house in the 11th Congressional District. High-speed internet means more than simply downloading games and movies. High-speed internet holds the future for small businesses to grow, for communities to attract clean, high-tech industry, and for ALL children to have access to the education required in a 21st century economy.

In December 2017, a Republican-dominated Federal Communications Commission repealed net neutrality protections guaranteed during the Obama administration, despite millions of written objections by consumers. Repealing these protections allowed giant telecoms to charge more to some consumers than others for the same service and to block or slow down online access. I stand for a return to net neutrality that treats all online consumers fairly and equitably.

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