CARROLLTON, GA – The Georgia General Assembly has one more day to pass legislation to give broadband a boost across Georgia. Georgia EMCs, including Carroll EMC, are calling for citizens across the state to contact their delegation and ask for the passage of Senate Bill 2 (SB2).

The Bill, sponsored by Sen. Steve Gooch (R-Dahlonega), allows Electric Membership Cooperatives to engage in broadband (high-speed) internet services, much like the House version, HB23, which passed last month. SB2 has moved from the Senate, into the House and back to the Senate in the form of a substitute bill. Lawmakers will have to decide its fate tomorrow by midnight as they enter the 40th day of legislative session (Sine Die).

“This is the third and potentially the last time we’ll have a shot at legislation like this which authorizes electric cooperatives to help solve the digital divide,” said Tim Martin, CEO for Carroll EMC. “We’re encouraging everyone in our service territory to reach out to our elected officials and encourage them to vote “yes” for SB2.”

With less than 36 hours left to end the 2019 General Session, electric cooperatives are activating their grassroots networks. Carroll EMC, along with Georgia EMC, has been sharing links on websites and social media to the proposed bills along with a link for citizens to take-action by contacting lawmakers in their areas.

Carroll EMC is a Member-owned cooperative providing electricity to approximately 50,000 homes and businesses. The co-op serves Members in Carroll, Haralson, Heard, Paulding, Polk and Troup counties. For more information visit the cooperative’s website at carrollemc.com or follow Carroll EMC on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest, Instagram and LinkedIn.