Leonard L. Boswell: “a recent Department of Commerce report states that only 38.9 percent of rural households have Internet access. In this…”

“a recent Department of Commerce report states that only 38.9 percent of rural households have Internet access. In this unprecedented age of information and global interaction, broadband access and the Internet are critical elements. Americans are increasingly using online services to conduct such everyday activities as bank account transactions, personal correspondence, shopping, and research. As our Nation continues to evolve, access to the opportunities of the Internet will have an important supporting role in the economic, educational, and social successes of our citizens. Today, along with the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Osborne), I am introducing the Rural American Technology Enhancement Act, or RATE, of 2001. The legislation will: one, provide incentives to expand broadband/high-speed telecommunications access to rural America; two, provide incentives and tax credits for expanding and relocating high-tech businesses to rural America; three, provide funding to prepare, educate, and train our current and future workforce for high-tech-based employment; and finally, establish an Office of Rural Technology within the Department of Agriculture to coordinate rural technology programs and act as a clearinghouse for government and private, high-tech grant information. Broadband access should not be an intangible idea lying beyond the reach of our rural citizens.”