The provision establishing the broadband office now goes to the House and Senate floor for a final vote. A House vote on the full jobs conference committee report could come as early as the evening of Wednesday, May 15.
Gov. Dayton announced the appointment on May 2.
The broadband office provision is included in omnibus bills and will now go to conference committee.
The task force will hold its monthly meeting on April 23 in Minneapolis.
The annual telecommunications forum will feature a panel discussion with key legislators in the broadband arena.
Blandin Foundation is accepting applications through Feb. 15 for matching grants that help to advance broadband in rural Minnesota communities.
Legislators express support of task force recommendations, but caution that expensive initiatives may not get much traction at the Capitol.
The budget includes $500,000 over two years for a broadband development office that would be housed in the Department of Commerce.
The task force is meeting with legislators to discuss potential broadband legislation for 2013.
The telecommunications association’s Day at the Capitol will seek to preserve local community television and local franchising.
The Governor’s Broadband Task Force released its 2012 Annual Report and Broadband Plan with recommendations to expand broadband to cities across Minnesota.
Contact intergovernmental relations (IGR) staff if you have questions about legislative issues.