Issue Position: Promoting and Expanding Access to Technology

Issue Position

"In a global economy, all Vermonters and all Vermont businesses must have access to high speed internet and emerging technologies to be connected and competitive. An explosion in technological advancements is benefitting all sectors of our economy. Our farmers are using technology to produce higher yields; our doctors and nurses are using new machines to save lives and improve the health of their patients; and homeowners and businesses are using real time energy use data to cut their energy bills. I strongly support efforts to ensure that every Vermonter, including rural Vermonters have access to the many advantages of this new technological era."

Spotlight on Technology
As the founder and co-chair of the House Rural Telecommunications Working Group, Rep. Welch has put rural telecommunications challenges at the top of his committee's agenda, the powerful Energy and Commerce Committee. He has introduced legislation to reduce dropped calls in rural areas and hold telecom companies accountable for poor service. Working with Senators Leahy and Sanders, he secured funding to extend internet service to unserved towns and schools. And he leads a bipartisan effort in the House to stop data breaches and protect the privacy of consumers and businesses.

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