NE Washington News

Cathy McMorris Rodgers was mentioned in RECOGNIZING MONICA BABINE..... on page E625 covering the 1st Session of the 117th Congress published on June 11, 2021 in the Congressional Record.

The publication is reproduced in full below:

RECOGNIZING MONICA BABINE

______

HON. CATHY McMORRIS RODGERS

of washington

in the house of representatives

Friday, June 11, 2021

Mrs. RODGERS of Washington. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Monica Babine. On May 26, 2021, Monica was presented with the 2021 Digital Equity Champion Award for her outstanding work in the field of digital equity. For more than 30 years, she has worked on this issue that is so critical to Washington's 5th Congressional District.

Currently, Monica is the Senior Associate of the Program for Digital Initiatives at Washington State University's Division of Governmental Studies & Services. In this role, she works with business, government, economic, and community development organizations to increase broadband awareness, access, and use across the state of Washington.

Monica has a keen understanding that access to reliable, affordable broadband is basic infrastructure in our 21st Century digital economy. Her work to help close the digital divide and expand access to broadband in Eastern Washington's most rural communities cannot be overstated.

Monica has proven time and again to be a true leader in her field, creating the Broadband Action Team model and serving as a valuable resource for local leaders interested in broadband planning. As a result of her work, more people than ever are engaging to identify local broadband needs and make plans to address them.

Monica's focus on rural communities has made her an incredible partner, and I am grateful for her efforts as we continue working together to address this issue in Congress. Her tireless work to bring together members of our Eastern Washington community, including policymakers at every level, is so important to help close the digital divide once and for all.

Madam Speaker, for her commitment to expanding access to broadband, her exceptional leadership, and her ongoing work to improve the lives of people around her, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Monica Babine.

____________________

SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 102

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