House Budget Committee

Chairman Icet introduced his budget and it included a 10% core cut for all UM-Related Programs, including MOREnet. Representative Bringer asked what the impact of a 10% cut to MOREnet would be and I responded that it would represent a 25% increase in Member Fees, or a substantial staff reduction and corresponding impact on services, or a deferral of critical equipment upgrades that would jeopardize the stability of the network. I stated that any final determination of the actions taken would be done in concert with the MOREnet Council. Bringer also asked what kind of growth we were seeing on the network and I responded approximately 45% per year. Bringer then stated that a cut to MOREnet would be very detrimental to the schools and libraries in her rural communities. Representative Faith commented that it would also be detrimental to the MOREnet members in the St. Charles area as well.

Representative Dethrow asked how we measured network growth and I responded that we have formal network monitoring tools and measure usage by every site that is connected to the network.

After the hearing Representative Stream asked that MOREnet submit a list of one-time funding needs that could be considered for federal stimulus funding. This list will be submitted next week through the University.

Stimulus Update

A web conference will be held Tuesday, co-sponsored by the FCC, the NTIA and the RUS – the three federal agencies charged with managing the broadband stimulus funding. We are working on a proposal for consideration.