Senator Jason Ellsworth of Hamilton demonstrated strong leadership in taking on the broadband challenges that were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The legislation that he sponsored, SB 297, was an excellent step toward securing a better future for the state. When the federal government subsequently provided the state with an allocation through the American Recovery Plan Act, Senator Ellsworth’s legislation became even more critical. It was through work with industry leaders, the Gianforte administration, and his fellow legislators that SB 297 will serve as the guide rails for how billions of federal funding will be deployed in Montana to close the digital divide and better support business access to the critical last mile.