Governor Whitmer has vetoed a bill that would have allowed companies to be exempt or defer personal property taxes on property required to establish broadband access, if the company receives funding by certain state or federal agencies. Whitmer said in her veto letter Wednesday that such an action would ultimately cost schools funding while not requiring a high enough internet speed. Republican Representative Beth Griffin of Mattawan says that doesn’t make sense.
“Twenty-five-three speeds is the benchmark and is actually the federal benchmark as set by the Obama administration and the Biden administration, so I’m a little puzzled when the governor said the speeds weren’t high enough. I’m puzzled why she doesn’t know already that the twenty-five-three benchmark is federally set.”
Whitmer said while she supports efforts toward affordable high-speed internet she’s returning the bill to the Legislature.
