SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Illinois Senator and Conservative Party gubernatorial candidate Sam McCann recently filed legislation to provide grants to non-profit organizations, businesses and public bodies that build high-speed internet infrastructure in rural and underserved areas of Illinois.

According to McCann, the legislation, SB3629, would overhaul an ineffective existing grant program that funded planning efforts, instead prioritizing plans to build and install the infrastructure. The legislation will also ensure that high-speed internet services being installed must meet a minimum speed threshold. Funding levels will be subject to appropriations from the General Assembly.

McCann said families, farms, and businesses in downstate Illinois have struggled to advance without reliable access to high-speed broadband internet service. Broadband service brings opportunity and economic development to rural communities. It is a utility as important as electricity, gas, or phone service, and too many Illinoisans have been left behind as investments have passed over underserved areas.

He noted that the legislation will provide grants not to organizations that want to think about expanding high-speed internet, but rather to those who are prepared to get out and do it. It will prioritize underserved areas whose homes, schools, farms, and businesses will experience the greatest economic impact.