🧮 Broadband Upgrades: Binge Watching, Business Boost, Big Brother And More
How do Governor Murphy and state lawmakers plan to spend American Rescue Plan Coronavirus Capital Projects Funds?
Recently, U.S. Representative Josh Gottheimer who represents New Jersey’s 5th congressional district had a few things to say about the timeline for realizing improved broadband connectivity and the State's pledge to deliver expanded high speed internet access for New Jerseyans.
"I'm asking the state to please take immediate action," said Gottheimer."
Almost a year ago Governor Phil Murphy was joined by Congressman Gottheimer and several officials - including state legislators and local government leaders - at a press conference in Sussex County announcing planned improvements to New Jersey's broadband infrastructure through American Rescue Plan (ARP) spending.
The funding source for the endeavor cited during an outdoor event held in May 2021 behind the Chocolate Goat Gift Shoppe in Lafayette was $190 million that the State of New Jersey expected to receive from the federal government under the ARP’s Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund.
The U.S Department of the Treasury webpage for the Capital Projects Fund states:
The American Rescue Plan provides $10 billion for payments to eligible governments to carry out critical capital projects that directly enable work, education, and health monitoring, including remote options, in response to the public health emergency. (Emphasis added)
READ the Office of the Governor’s press release of May 21, 2021.
Governor Murphy, Congressman Gottheimer Highlight Nearly $190 Million in American Rescue Plan Funding for Capital Projects Including Broadband Expansion in New Jersey
How do plans discussed last year, legislative activity (and associated federal grants) square with what state legislators are currently considering, debating, and prioritizing for funding in the State of New Jersey Fiscal Year 2023 budget? Are federally funded internet access upgrades really about faster downloads for entertainment and less buffering on Zoom calls or is improving connectivity ultimately oriented toward enhanced data collection, surveillance, and smart city population management tools under the guise of public health promotion in post-pandemic America?
Take a trip back to May 2021 and hear what Gov. Murphy and NJ politicians said about goals and plans for broadband access expansion.
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🎥 Governor Murphy Press Event
May 21, 2021
The Chocolate Goat - Lafayette, NJ
Broadband/American Rescue Plan
03:13 - Introduction, Jennifer Todaro of The Chocolate Goat
05:40 - Murphy; broadband infrastructure and connectivity in NJ; recognition of guests
09:08 - Quick Covid update; percent positivity is “under 2%” and rate of transmission “under 0.5”; more broadband
14:27 - Rep. Josh Gottheimer; recognitions; clawing back the money from Washington that is “ours” instead of going to “moocher states”
23:14 - Murphy; segue
24:00 - Sen. Steve Oroho
26:50 - Mayor Tim McDonough of Hope Twp
27:53 - *heckler*
30:05 - Murphy closing remarks
The press conference ended with a statement from Gov. Murphy indicating that a press pool question & answer session would be done elsewhere.
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So... Which is it? Who's following the money?