SACRAMENTO –The Senate Rules Committee, chaired by Senate President pro Tempore Mike McGuire (D-North Coast), appointed Senator Anna Caballero (D-Merced) to the Broadband Middle-Mile Advisory Committee (MMAC) today. 

“Senator Caballero has been a tireless champion for the Central Valley who never stops fighting to bridge the digital divide,” Pro Tem McGuire said. “We’re thrilled that Senator Caballero will be joining the Middle-Mile Advisory Committee. She’ll bring her tenacity and passion for rural California, and prioritize more affordable and fast internet connectivity on this esteemed Committee.” 

Senator Anna M. Caballero is serving her second term in the California State Senate, representing the 14^th district, which is composed of majority portions of Merced, Fresno, and Madera counties. She is the Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee. Senator Caballero is also a member of the Banking and Financial Institutions, Energy, Utilities and Communications, Housing, Judiciary, and Insurance Committees.

“I am tremendously honored to be appointed to the Middle-Mile Advisory Committee by Pro Tem McGuire,” Senator Caballero said. “In this modern era, it’s shameful that millions of Californians still have limited or no access to the internet, a distinct disadvantage for workforce and educational opportunities. The Middle-Mile Broadband Initiative is an ambitious solution that shows California is committed to closing that digital divide. I’m grateful for Pro Tem McGuire’s dedication to this critical issue that touches every one of California’s 58 counties, and look forward to making an impact in this important role.” 

The Middle-Mile Broadband Initiative (MMBI) will provide equitable access to high-speed broadband service across California and prioritize the inclusion of unserved and underserved populations, anchor institutions (hospitals, universities, government entities and community non-profits), tribal entities and agricultural regions. The Middle-Mile Advisory Committee monitors the development and construction of the infrastructure for the MMBI.

To date, over 1,800 miles of the Middle-Mile Broadband Network are already under active installation, with over 3,000 miles expected to be in installation by the end of the year.

Senator Caballero lives in Merced and will be joining Senator Lena Gonzalez and replacing Pro Tem McGuire on the Middle-Mile Advisory Committee. The next meeting is scheduled for January 17, 2025. 

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Mike McGuire is President pro Tempore of the California Senate. He represents the North Coast of California, which stretches from the Golden Gate Bridge to the Oregon border, including Del Norte, Trinity, Humboldt, Lake, Mendocino, Sonoma, and Marin Counties. Website of Senate Leader McGuire: https://sd02.senate.ca.gov/