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Illinois ag director committed to rural broadband expansion

Illinois’ Director of Agriculture John Sullivan says he is committed to supporting expanded broadband access throughout the state. 

“I really think it is an economic development tool. I think it is holding back regions and individuals and families and businesses and we think that this could be a tool to try to help, especially some of the rural parts of the state.”

Sullivan tells Brownfield there is discussion among lawmakers in Springfield about forming an infrastructure bill that he hopes will address improved internet connectivity.

“I have been meeting with a lot of folks, doing a lot of research with regard to the Commerce Commission and the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) and trying to figure out where the gaps are and how best to fill those in.”

Sullivan, who chaired Governor Pritzker’s ag transition committee, says improving rural broadband access was a hot topic at those meetings.