In correspondence with the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC), Western Governors shared policy recommendations to help inform the Department’s FY 22/26 Learning Agenda, required under the Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act of 2018. The letter of Jan. 27, signed by WGA Chair, Idaho Gov. Brad Little, and WGA Vice Chair, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, urged the DOC to consult directly with states to improve the data collection process and expand broadband access to support rural development. “Strengthening social infrastructure in rural communities is the best strategy to ensure rural quality of life and prosperity,” the letter read. “Congress and federal agencies should increase the proportion of rural economic development and infrastructure funding that goes toward capacity-building.” More specific policy recommendations were outlined in WGA policy resolutions, Utilizing State Data in Federal Decision Making, Rural Development, and Broadband Connectivity. Read, download the letter.