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The law also earmarks $20 million for the Illinois Century Network, an existing broadband network serving K-12 schools, higher education, public libraries, museums, state and local governments, and the healthcare community.
"Rebuild Illinois will improve our infrastructure at a historic scale, and it lays the foundation for economic progress and educational success for the decades to come," said Pritzker.
"High-speed broadband internet is an absolute necessity for economic progress and educational attainment, but too many of our towns and counties and communities have been left out of the digital revolution, especially downstate,” he added.
In the area of telehealth, the state plans to increase access across the state, which will provide additional health care options to communities in rural Illinois and expand treatment opportunities in areas such as mental health and opioid addiction.
In the area of education, the state plans to on a path to increased broadband access for K-12 schools throughout Illinois to ensure students have the tools they need to succeed in the classroom.
In terms of economic development, the state wants to expand economic opportunity in urban and rural communities. This investment will support the growth of Illinois' agriculture economy and IT sector and will help to modernize transportation and support the development of entrepreneurs and small business owners.
The investment will be implemented by the Broadband Advisory Council, which will create statewide broadband strategic plan that identifies opportunities to serve all residents.
The council will study best practices in other states and explore ways to maximize federal funding on top of the state investment.
By December 31, 2019, the council will deliver a report to the governor and General Assembly with recommendations for the statewide broadband expansion.
"The Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT) is pleased to be part of a program that brings digital equity to students across Illinois," said Ron Guerrier, Illinois CIO and DoIT acting secretary. "The expanded broadband program will provide high-speed, secure Internet access at no cost to Illinois K-12 public schools. Digital learning will soon be available to all in our state, regardless of geography or economics."
Theresa Eagleson, director of the Department of Healthcare and Family Services, said that "for so many rural and underserved areas, telehealth means access to comprehensive healthcare, which can be as important as solid and well-maintained roads. For those facing behavioral health challenges, telehealth can be especially vital. As the largest provider of healthcare insurance in Illinois, we look forward to actively advancing the mission of this council so that all our members can be better served."
Erin Guthrie, acting director of the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, observed: "Access to high-speed, reliable internet is an integral part of supporting our existing business community, bringing new companies to the state, and providing workers access to education and employment opportunities."
John Sullivan, director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture, said that the broadband investment “will make enormous improvements in internet service to rural areas of the state—helping farmers, small business owners and individual homeowners."
