In a huge victory for connecting Louisianans to high-speed broadband internet, Governor John Bel Edwards signed Senator Beth Mizell’s SB 10 into law on Wednesday. SB 10 removes major hurdles to providing broadband access to people and businesses who sorely need it across the state.

The following is a statement from Daniel Erspamer, chief executive officer of the Pelican Institute, regarding Gov. Edwards’ signing of SB 10 into law.

“As students, workers, medical practitioners, and others around Louisiana have become increasingly reliant on online connections, closing the digital divide in our state has become more critical than ever. Thanks to the tireless efforts of Senator Beth Mizell and Governor Edwards’ signature, major barriers will be lifted and countless Louisianans can get connected to broadband internet. It’s great to see the passage of solutions-focused legislation like this, which will truly move our state forward.”