Legislation from state Representative Pauline Wendzel seeks to make it easier for broadband internet providers to expand their services. She tells us a bill she introduced this week would reduce their costs.
“It exempts property taxes from broadband equipment,” Wendzel said. “Hopefully, that will incentivize more companies to come here and build broadband and it will also help help some of those that are already here update their equipment so they can serve more people faster speeds.”
Wendzel says the taxes on new equipment can be a burden for broadband providers when they’re seeking to expand. She’s heard from them as well as local officials seeking to aid broadband expansion.
“We are in contact all of the time. I am very impressed and proud of how Berrien County and Van Buren County have been leading the effort in Michigan.”
Wendzel says her legislation is a small piece of the puzzle when it comes rolling out more high-speed internet. The legislation was introduced last session, but wasn’t passed. She’s hoping this second try will get a hearing in the coming weeks.
