Legislative Update March 2025: News from Trenton & Washington, DC – Changes in the FCC

Last month became an active one for us, but now Congress is dealing with other issues and everything else has slowed down a-bit. So, instead of discussing actions being taken in either our federal or state governments, we are turning our attention to New Jersey for a more in-depth discussion and perspective on what is going on with all legislation and broadband deployment in the Garden State, along with technology backed by acts to aid in emergency situations.

President’s Message: March 2025 Too Big and Too Important to Miss

In life, some events come along at just the right time. The annual JAG Conference is one of those events! As we gradually recovered from the challenges of COVID-19, we decided to bring back the JAG Conference, and what better way to do so than with a full-packed, one-day event?

The response was overwhelmingly positive, but we heard you loud and clear: you want more. After conducting a survey, we found nearly everyone wanted a multi-day conference with more vendors, more sessions, and a larger, all-around experience. We’re excited to announce that this year’s conference will be more!

A JAG Parable

The article discusses the significance of JAG membership for West Milford, emphasizing the support it provides in broadcasting operations. Despite budget constraints, the decision to renew membership reflects the local government’s commitment. JAG’s resources, including programming access and legislative updates, enhance the town’s community channel, demonstrating the value of active involvement in the organization.

Oakland, NJ: Leading the Way in Fiber Infrastructure

John Morley introduces his monthly feature, Tech Trends Unplugged, focusing on Oakland, NJ’s innovative fiber infrastructure project. Spearheaded by Mayor Eric Kulmala, the initiative aims to enhance connectivity and communication for municipal buildings while reducing costs. This strategic foresight highlights the importance of infrastructure planning for sustainable community growth and economic benefits.

Sharing the TelVue 2025 Vision with JAG

TelVue’s partnership with JAG advances technology integration through AI for meeting summaries, enhanced accessibility with SmartCaption, and social media engagement. New cloud storage enables secure archiving, while the CloudCast Paywall and video ads enhance revenue potential. Upcoming features will be showcased at the JAG meeting on February 26, 2025.

Legislative Update February 2025: News from Trenton & Washington, DC – Changes in the FCC

February has seen significant legislative activity concerning telecommunications. The introduction of H.R. 278, the Broadband Leadership Act, proposes accelerated siting processes with minimal local oversight. Experts highlight concerns over diminishing local authority in telecommunications. A panel on diversity in the sector emphasized that equity measures must align with existing laws and principles.

Spotlight: YMCA State Alliance – Raising the Next Generation of Leaders: A Message from the CEO of the New Jersey YMCA State Alliance

by Julie Gallanty, Chief Executive Officer of the New Jersey YMCA State Alliance Supporting young people today, creates a stronger, more vibrant tomorrowAt the New Jersey YMCA State Alliance, our mission is simple yet powerful: to strengthen our communities by bringing people together to improve lives and inspire positive change. We lead a coalition of …

Legislative Update January 2025: News from Trenton & Washington, DC – Changes in the FCC

New Jersey municipalities can access federal broadband improvement funds by mapping underserved areas and applying for resources. At the 2024 League of Municipalities Conference, experts emphasized the importance of local input in the funding process. Communities must ensure accurate maps to secure funding by the 12/31/24 deadline, focusing on digital equity and accessibility.