Toward reducing regulatory burdens, eligible rural telecommunications providers would be allowed to file streamlined financial reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) under a bipartisan bill being cosponsored by U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA). “Reliable broadband is essential for Iowa families, farmers, students, and small businesses,” Sen. Ernst said on July 17. “I’m proud to partner with Sen. Baldwin to cut unnecessary red tape through our bipartisan ACCESS Rural America Act so small, rural broadband providers can spend less time on paperwork and more time connecting rural America.” “Unfortunately, burdensome regulations intended for much larger companies are hurting our small broadband providers and limiting their ability to reach more people,” said Sen. Baldwin. S. 5003 has garnered support from NTCA – The Rural Broadband Association and Premier Communications in Sioux Center, Iowa.