Opinion

It has been almost 50 years since the original Missouri Sunshine Law was adopted by Missouri. But over the years, the changes to that law usually have been an effort to ensure broader access to public information, not narrow the access, as is inherent in many changes proposed this legislative session by Rep. Bruce DeGroot, R-Ellisville, in House bill 2049.

High-speed internet is critical to competing in the 21st-century economy, providing educational opportunities to underserved communities and simply enjoying the wonders of the digital era we live in today. Broadband has become essential infrastructure in an ever-evolving world, similar to electricity in the early to mid-20th century. And just like electricity in the 1930s, ’40s and ’50s, it is important that government work to ensure every American in every community has access to this critical infrastructure, so that students can study from home, seniors can access telehealth services and families can simply enjoy movie nights through online streaming services. While corporate CEOs may not see the profit in providing this service to folks living on farms outside of the small towns, I certainly see the benefit to our country and that’s why I’ve fought so hard over the years for federal funding to expand broadband to these communities. And I’m thankful the Richmond Daily News has taken notice. (Publisher’s note: The Exclesior Springs Standard has taken notice, too.)