Kohl-Welles speaks at national Media Reform conference; highlights Washington’s progress

OLYMPIA – Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles, D-Seattle, recently spoke at the National Conference for Media Reform in Minneapolis, hosted by Free Press and Progressive States Network. The conference covered a wide array of issues from the failures of our media system to the emerging communications technologies, such as access to digital media. Kohl-Welles spoke at the panel on “Winning Technology Policy and Media Reform in the States,” discussing the need for states to act in advancing technology access, rather than wait for the federal government to act.

She also highlighted her legislation, Senate Bill 6438, which passed the 2008 Legislative Session unanimously, and will aid in ensuring broadband connectivity to all in Washington. The legislation was supported by the telecommunications industry and labor groups, with leadership in the House provided by Representatives Zack Hudgins and John McCoy.

“Our new law will put Washington at the head of the nation in developing a high-speed internet deployment and adoption strategy. While a few other states have started on this process, they are mapping broadband access at the county level, while we will be doing so at the census tract level. This will allow for greater accuracy and direction as we bring broadband to all of Washington,” said Kohl-Welles.

In addition, the new law creates the Community Technology Opportunity Program by amendment of Sen. Claudia Kauffman’s bill. It will provide training grants for rural and low-income residents and those with disabilities to utilize the new benefits, such as increased entrepreneurship and filling the gap in technological education.

Kohl-Welles’ broadband bill is just one part of a growing movement across the country to help bridge the digital divide. The Media Reform conference also included speeches from Bill Moyers, Dan Rather, and Phil Donahue, and numerous panels on emerging issues facing the nation in the coming years.

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