Recently, NewDEAL Leader Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson joined other Democratic leaders and the state’s Governor to announce a new Connect Maryland initiative to boost broadband access, using $300 million in American Rescue Plan funds, supplemented with $100 million in state funding. Spending priorities will be set by a bipartisan workgroup of the city, county, and state elected officials. The new initiative aims to achieve the 98% connectivity goal set by legislation sponsored by NewDEAL Leader Delegate Brooke Lierman, which also created a statewide broadband office to develop a plan for the expansion. Read more on how Maryland NewDEALers are working to ensure everyone in their state can get connected, and keep an eye on the NewDEAL Forum Broadband Task Force for continued work on policy guidance to achieve connectivity across the nation.