ST. PAUL, Minn. -- From distance learning to telemedicine, the pandemic crisis continues to expose gaps in broadband internet access.
An effort in Minnesota aims to provide a clearer picture of where customers are being left behind. On its website, the Minnesota Rural Broadband Coalition offers a free test to determine the internet speed flowing through a person's home.
Groups such as AARP Minnesota hope it will give residents age 50 and older a better idea of the level of service they're receiving.
According to Jay Haapala, associate state director of community engagement at AARP Minnesota, with the pandemic showing no signs of ending soon, technology is a vital way to combat social isolation.
"Whether it's through video-conferencing, or to connect with people online, it's not just a nice thing to have," said Haapala. "That social connection is something that's critical, to people's lives and to their health."
He said the test also can help customers advocate for themselves when dealing with their provider.
The coalition has said policymakers can use the results, too, as they decide whether to provide more funding for infrastructure.
Officials acknowledge that might be a tough sell right now, with government revenue taking a hit, but they acknowledge reliable internet service as a crucial need for many Minnesotans.
This type of test, which is being used in only one other state right now, is more detailed than what government agencies rely on, said Nathan Zacharias, project manager for the coalition.
Even if the system shows that service is provided in a certain area, he explained, the test will show that it could be lacking -- and early findings indicate as you get into the rural countryside, the need is greater.
"You're going to see a lot of dots on our map that indicate there's low levels of service, or no service at all," Zacharias noted.
He added their research shows affordability issues in urban areas as well as rural, and it underscores accessibility gaps in communities of color.
The test first launched in early August, and will be available for a year. Before that wraps up, Zacharias says they will compile comprehensive data and present it to lawmakers during the next budget cycle.
"We knew before the pandemic that everybody needed broadband," he said. "And I think everybody knows just a little bit more how much need it."
The group relied on fundraising efforts to provide the test, which can be found on the group's website.
Disclosure: AARP Minnesota contributes to our fund for reporting on Budget Policy & Priorities, Consumer Issues, Health Issues, Senior Issues. If you would like to help support news in the public interest,
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Lawmakers in Olympia this session moved to add more protections for consumers against predatory loans.
Washington state lawmakers passed Senate Bill 6025 unanimously in both chambers, closing a loophole companies were using to evade caps on the amount of interest charged on loans.
Sam Leonard, an attorney in Seattle, said tech companies providing financial services such as loans would charter out of state banks, especially in Utah, where lenders can charge unlimited interest rates.
"These fintech lenders a lot of times will charge 150, 200% interest on relatively small dollar loans, $3,000, $5,000 and the like," Leonard explained.
Washington state has a set of protections called the Consumer Loan Act to shield people from predatory loans. Leonard said capping interest rates at the federal level would help people across the country.
However, he emphasized the bill goes a long way to increase protections for Washingtonians.
"Not a lot of states at this time have passed similar legislation," Leonard pointed out. "Washington is out in front of the curve with regard to protecting low-income Washingtonians or other Washingtonians that might enter into these predatory loan products."
Leonard added the issue with predatory loans is they keep people in continuous debt cycles.
"Loan products like these essentially strip low-income individuals' ability to improve their economic situation," Leonard noted.
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While there's snow in the immediate forecast, the spring storm season has arrived in Minnesota and state officials said with complaints related to homeowner insurance claims on the rise, it is important to monitor changes in policies.
The Minnesota Commerce Department said complaints from policyholders, largely stemming from their claims being denied, have more than doubled since 2020.
Julia Dreier, deputy commissioner of insurance for the Minnesota Department of Commerce, said under a changing climate, the nation is seeing plenty of extreme weather events resulting in wind and hail damage, and insurance companies are adjusting to what's happening.
"Insurance costs are going to increase," Dreier pointed out. "We do want to make sure that Minnesotans are prepared."
As some carriers narrow what is covered or require higher deductibles, Dreier urged consumers to carefully review their policy when it is up for renewal, to avoid surprises when they have to file a claim. The department acknowledged changes can slip under the radar when consumers rely on paperless statements sent via email, or with busy schedules preventing them from reading all the fine print in documents they receive.
The department emphasized it is a complicated process in getting complaints resolved, noting some can be partially reversed in favor of the homeowner. Dreier noted they work closely with the industry to make sure a company's actions are within the letter of the law.
"One of our jobs is to make sure that insurance companies aren't doing something unethical when they're submitting their policy forms to us and their rates to us for review," Dreier added.
The department does have a new video on its YouTube channel, which offers more details on how to better prepare yourself ahead of any future claims, including knowing whether your policy offers flood protection and assessing the value of items in your home.
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Wisconsin has announced a big development in trying to establish more digital equity around the state.
Gov. Tony Evers and the Public Service Commission say Wisconsin's blueprint for digital equity has been accepted by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration.
That means the state is eligible for up to $30 million to implement its approach over the next five years.
Martha Cranley - state director for AARP Wisconsin - called it a robust plan, noting that older populations continue to face challenges in being connected to the digital world.
"We know that at least 15% of people 50-plus in Wisconsin are not connected," said Cranley, "either because the wires simply don't come to their house, or they don't have a device, or they don't know how to use it."
Cranley said the lack of connection is especially concerning in rural areas across northern Wisconsin, where aging communities have limited resources.
Stakeholders also note an infusion of new aid is helpful with the federal government's Affordable Connectivity Program - which provides discounts on monthly internet bills for eligible households - in danger of running out of money.
Cranley said the state's plan came together following extensive public outreach, in which her organization helped convey the need for improved internet access for those 50 and older.
"They certainly heard from older people about how important this is to connect to their doctor," said Cranley, "and to connect to government services, and frankly, find employment."
Overall, Evers says the plan's federal approval means more than 410,000 homes and businesses will be better positioned to be connected to new or improved high-speed internet service.
Disclosure: AARP Wisconsin contributes to our fund for reporting on Budget Policy & Priorities, Consumer Issues, Health Issues, Senior Issues. If you would like to help support news in the public interest,
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