WASHINGTON DC – The Congressman for our area has presented a bill to free up access to broadband services in rural areas.

Sixth District U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer co-sponsored a bi-partisan bill that creates refundable tax credits for businesses and groups of people who team up to build the infrastructure that connects them to the country’s existing rural broadband service.

Kilmer says if approved, places like Clallam County could benefit.

The “Broadband for All Act” would create a new tax credit of up to 75 percent for groups of two or more homeowners or businesses to help cover the cost of building the infrastructure needed to get them online. The tax refund applies to any available technology, so each group can choose the best option that bridges the “last-mile” gap between their homes and businesses and the existing broadband service network.

Kilmer says he is aware the lack of broadband access makes it harder to do business.

Kilmer, a Democrat, is co-sponsoring the bill with Republican New York Representative Elise Stefanik.