It's an attempt to get high-speed internet service to more families in Michigan.

 

Governor Whitmer announced that she is setting up the Michigan HighSpeed Internet Office to make the internet more affordable and accessible.

 

However, Michigan House Communications and Technology Committee Chair Michele Hoitenga criticized a high-speed internet directive – saying the proposals replicate failed practices from other states and are “press fluff opportunities” that lack an action plan.

 

Hoitenga called the plan duplicative as Whitmer already established the Connecting Michigan Taskforce in 2020.

 

The third-term legislator said another state-level broadband program is not needed when multiple thoughtful and effective grant programs have recently been enacted – the Connecting Michigan Communities Grant Program and the Broadband Expansion Act of Michigan, the latter of which was spearheaded by Hoitenga.

 

“We know what needs to be done to increase expansion efforts,” said Hoitenga, of Manton. “We don’t need more new government committees or dedicated bodies to keep telling us the same information on what needs to happen. The governor should instead stop vetoing legislation that seeks to help broadband expansion efforts. “It’s important to prioritize broadband access. I have done so, but these plans are tone deaf and create additional issues. Gov. Whitmer announcing this initiative in Detroit – which already enjoys more broadband access than much of rural and northern Michigan – shows she’s missed the mark with her approach to this problem. The answer to every problem is not more government.”