AUSTIN, TX — Today, Lt. Governor Dan Patrick appointed Sergio Contreras to the Broadband Office Board of Advisors. This Board of Advisors was created in House Bill 5 during the 2021 legislative session and is situated within the Office of the Comptroller of Public Accounts. The board of advisors will provide guidance to the State Broadband Development Office (SBDO) regarding the expansion, adoption, affordability, and use of broadband service and the programs administered by the office.

Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa, co-author of the legislation to expand broadband in Texas, worked with Senator Robert Nichols, author of SB 5/HB 5 to ensure South Texas was represented in the Board of Advisors. The legislation requires that one of the Lt. Governor's appointees be a resident of South Texas. Senator Hinojosa recommended the appointment of Sergio Contreras to Lt. Governor Dan Patrick earlier this year.

"I appreciate Lt. Governor Patrick appointing Sergio Contreras to the Broadband Office Board of Advisors," said Senator Hinojosa. "I was pleased to recommend Sergio for an appointment to this important position. He is a lifelong resident of the Rio Grande Valley and understands the needs of our communities. Having worked for AT&T for close to 20 years, he is familiar with broadband issues and what it takes to provide this service. More importantly, he currently serves as the President/CEO of the Rio Grande Valley Partnership and knows firsthand the challenges our families and businesses face when they lack access to quality high-speed internet," added Senator Hinojosa. "I am confident Sergio will do a great job in helping lead the expansion of broadband across Texas and in advocating for the needs of our South Texas communities," concluded Senator Hinojosa.

The State Broadband Development Office will serve as a resource for information regarding broadband service in the state, and engage in outreach to communities regarding the expansion, adoption, and affordability of broadband services. Additionally, the SBDO will serve as an information clearinghouse regarding federal programs that provide assistance to local entities with respect to broadband service. The SBDO will also prepare a state broadband plan that establishes long-term goals for greater access to, affordability, and adoption of broadband service.

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