You probably don’t begrudge western Massachusetts enjoying high-speed Internet service. In fact, you probably have never thought about whether western Massachusetts has high-speed Internet service.
Nevertheless, you are helping pay for that service.
It was recently announced that the federal government is providing a $45.4 million grant to bring more high-speed Internet access to the “underserved” residents of that region. The state of Massachusetts itself will pay only $26.2 million of the tab.
We have just one question: What obliges the people of Tennessee and of Utah and of Illinois and of every other state in the nation to pay for speedy Internet service for the people of Massachusetts? Why not let the government of wealthy Massachusetts — or, far better, competitive free-enterprise companies — perform that function for the customers?
But wait! As it turns out, the money for Massachusetts is part of nearly $800 million from Washington that will improve Internet service in other states, too. So doesn’t that make it “OK”?
Not really. You see, the federal government had to collect that money in the form of taxes from residents of the states, or else it had to borrow it, saddling future taxpayers with more costly debt. Naturally, federal employees administering the funds must be paid wages and benefits, which reduce the amount of money available for the actual work of providing high-speed Internet.
Wouldn’t it be a better idea to leave more money in the pockets of individuals and businesses in the states to begin with, so they could provide and purchase enhanced Internet service? Why insert an expensive additional layer of government bureaucracy?