CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Delegates Roger Hanshaw, R-Clay, and Randy Smith, R-Preston, and Senator Chris Walters, R-Putnam, will host a forum Thursday, Dec. 17, on how lack of broadband Internet access is hindering development in West Virginia. The forum will take place from 1 to 5 p.m. in the House Government Organization Committee room at the state Capitol. Representatives from several companies and organizations, including the hospital, education and small business sectors, have been invited to discuss how lack of high-speed Internet has affected the way they operate. The public is also welcome to attend. “Broadband service is today what the interstate highway system was in the 1950s,” Hanshaw said. “It’s how we do commerce, and as a state, we are falling behind.” Hanshaw, a member of the House Judiciary Committee, said at least a half a dozen bills have been developed during the interim committee process to target the problem. Lawmakers hope the forum will draw further attention to the matter and better inform the legislative process.
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