06. Bob Wilmers email on Termination of Federal Digital Equity Act1
Kyle Morell
From:Robert Wilmers <robert.wilmers@icloud.com>
Sent:Friday, May 16, 2025 3:28 PM
To:Kyle Morell; Patti Ray
Subject:Fwd: Termination of Federal Digital Equity Act
FYI,
I don’t expect this will affect our current grant project or future plans discussed at the IAC meeting this
week.
Bob
Sent from my iPhone
Begin forwarded message:
From: DEED Communications <MNDEED@public.govdelivery.com>
Date: May 16, 2025 at 3:19:58 PM CDT
To: robert.wilmers@icloud.com
Subject: Termination of Federal Digital Equity Act
Termination of Federal Digital Equity Act
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Termination of Federal Digital Equity Act
Minnesota’s Office of Broadband Development has issued an urgent update on the
status of Minnesota’s Digital Opportunity Plan.
Late last Friday, May 9, 2025, the Minnesota Department of Employment and
Economic Development (DEED) received notification from the federal government
that it was immediately terminating the state’s $12 million grant from the State
Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program. This funding was intended to reduce gaps in
broadband access and expand digital skills and technology availability. All states
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received the same notification of cancellation and are awaiting further guidance
from the U.S. Department of Commerce regarding next steps.
Minnesota’s Digital Opportunity Plan, a deliverable from this program, focuses on
ensuring every Minnesotan has the tools and skills needed to harness the full
power of broadband and reap the benefits of a digital economy. The U.S.
Department of Commerce had approved DEED’s Digital Opportunity Plan as part of
the federal Digital Equity Act in 2024.
This sudden and unprecedented cancellation of awarded funding could hurt
DEED’s work to expand broadband access and digital technology to Minnesotans
who are most underserved: seniors, Greater Minnesota residents, veterans, low-
income Minnesotans, people of color, people with disabilities, and more.
Due to this federal action, DEED will not be able to provide grants to local
governments, organizations, and small businesses to ensure these Minnesotans
have the tools and skills to access and use the internet and digital
technology. DEED is also forced to halt a planned statewide network of local
experts to ensure Minnesotans everywhere have equitable access to get online.
Minnesota is a leader in delivering broadband, and we are committed to
expanding service to underserved and unserved areas throughout the state. In
light of this sudden cancellation, we are working with partners to determine how
best to pursue the goals of our Digital Opportunity Plan.
If you have any questions or would like further information, please don’t hesitate
to reach out to deed.broadband.equity@state.mn.us.
Thank you for your continued support and engagement.
Questions? Contact Us
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DEED is an equal opportunity employer and program provider.
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