SWMO senator named to state broadband council

Sen. Karla Eslinger is among 17 state officials selected for the newly formed advisory group.

Sen. Karla Eslinger, R-Wasola, who represents a portion of southwest Missouri in the state Senate, is among 17 officials named to a new advisory group of the Missouri Department of Economic Development.

The DED’s Office of Broadband Development announced in a news release it has formed the Connecting All Missourians Advisory Council to inform planning for the federal Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program and Digital Equity Act. Members of the advisory council will contribute to the state’s plans for BEAD and DEA funds designed to improve broadband infrastructure and increase access.

“The Connecting All Missourians Advisory Council is an invaluable part of giving citizens a voice as we develop plans to expand internet access,” said Michelle Hataway, DED acting director, in the release. “Broadband is a necessity in today’s economy, and we want our initiatives to reflect the needs of all Missourians.”

The Office of Broadband Development is focused on addressing broadband availability and noninfrastructure barriers by working with providers, communities and stakeholders to expand and accelerate broadband deployment across the state, according to the DED website. Missouri was allocated $1.7 billion in funding this summer through the BEAD program, which is providing over $42 billion nationwide to states for the expansion of high-speed internet access.

Responsibilities for the broadband council include advising on policy questions and program design, commenting on draft documents and identifying connectivity needs across the state, according to the release. Members also will serve as community ambassadors to encourage participation in efforts while engaging stakeholders.

“We sincerely appreciate the commitment of our advisory council members as we continue working toward a fully connected future,” said BJ Tanksley, director of the Office of Broadband Development, in the release. “Hearing from citizens, stakeholders and communities is absolutely vital to developing effective plans for broadband expansion.”

Aside from Eslinger, who represents Douglas, Howell, Ozark, Shannon, Stone, Taney and Texas counties in the Senate’s 33rd district, the other advisory council members are:

• Chris Chinn, director, Department of Agriculture.
• Aaron Deacon, managing director, KC Digital Drive.
• Tracy Graham, Western District commissioner, Audrain County.
• Michelle Hataway, acting director, Department of Economic Development.
• Garrett Hawkins, president, Missouri Farm Bureau.
• Cassie Johnson, deputy director of community programs, Missouri Housing Development Commission.
• Crystal Jones, executive director, Perry County Economic Development Authority.
• Dan Mehan, CEO, Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
• State Rep. Jay Mosley, District 68.
• Rachel Mutrux, director, Missouri Telehealth Network.
• State Rep. Louis Riggs, District 5.
• Kevin Sandlin, executive director, Missouri Association of Rural Education.
• Richard Sheets, executive director, Missouri Municipal League.
• Kristen Sorth, director and CEO, St. Louis County Library.
• State Sen. Barbara Anne Washington, District 9.
• Darius Watson, executive director of academic initiatives, Lincoln University.

OBD has applied for BEAD funding to support the council through 2028, according to the release. Council members will meet twice per year to guide OBD’s planning and development of its five-year action plan, as well as initial and final proposals for the BEAD program.