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Governor's Task Force on Broadband Access

On July 14^th, 2020, Governor Tony Evers signed Executive Order #80 (Accessible Version) creating the Governor's Task Force on Broadband Access. The task force will advise the Governor and Wisconsin State Legislature on broadband actions and policy, including strategies for successfully expanding high speed internet access to every residence, business, and institution in the state; initiatives for digital inclusion; and pathways to unlocking and optimizing the benefits of statewide, affordable access to broadband for all communities in Wisconsin.

Leadership & Membership

The task force will be chaired by Brittany Beyer, Executive Director for Grow North Regional Economic Development Corporation, and consists of members who represent a balance of interests, perspectives, and areas of expertise. It will bring together a diverse group of stakeholders to research and develop recommendations for actions so that all Wisconsinites can have access to this essential and critical service needed for daily life.

Governor's Task Force on Broadband Access members include:

Robert Earl Baker III, Founder, RenderTech
Marta Bechtol, Executive Director, Educational Communications Board
Brittany Beyer (Chair), Executive Director, Grow North Regional Economic Development Corporation
Tom Boron, IT Director, Washburn County
Salvador L. Carranza, Founder, Latino Education Council of Dane County
Shannon Clark, CEO & General Manager, Richland Electric Cooperative
Lori Collins, President/CEO, SonicNet Inc.
Emily Dittmar, Legislative Director, Wisconsin Educational Media and Technology Association
Andrew Faust, Senior GIS Analyst, North Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission
Celeste Flynn, Director of Government Affairs, Charter Communications
Chris Her-Xiong, Executive Director/Principal, Hmong American Peace Academy
Gail Huycke, Community Development Specialist, UW-Extension Center for Community and Economic Development
Kurt Kiefer, Assistant State Superintendent, Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
Howard Marklein, State Senator (R-Spring Green)
Jose Martinez, Vice President, UMOS
Chris Meyer, Director of Virtual Care and Telehealth, Marshfield Clinic Health System
Beth Meyers, State Representative (D-Bayfield)
Jeffrey Mursau, State Representative (R-Crivitz)
Brad Pfaff, State Senator (D-La Crosse)
Jean Pauk, Government Affairs Manager, TDS Telecommunications
Theron Rutyna, IT Director, Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa
Brett Schuppner, General Manager, Reedsburg Utility Commission
Thomas J. Shaitel, Consultant and Senior Advisor, KS Energy Services LLC
Scott VanderSanden, President – AT&T Plains States, AT&T
Chad Young, CEO/General Manager, Norvado

Annual Broadband Report

The task force will prepare an annual report that will include the current state of broadband in Wisconsin, as well as recommendations for policies and initiatives to overcome challenges to statewide access, affordability and adoption. Staffing support for the task force will be provided by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) State Broadband Office.