Minnesota House Republicans want to spend an additional $35 million in state money in the next two years to expand access to broadband internet in parts of the state that need it.

A group of House Republicans detailed their proposal Wednesday. It calls for $13 million this year for a state fund that awards grants to local communities to expand broadband infrastructure, and for an additional $15 million for the fund next year. In addition, House Republicans also want $7 million specifically dedicated to improving broadband access to students.

"We cannot continue to let rural Minnesota slip further behind other parts of the state that already have fast, reliable internet access," said Rep. Dave Baker, R-Willmar.

However, the GOP spending plan is dwarfed by DFL Gov. Mark Dayton's broadband proposal. Dayton wants $100 million this year for the broadband grant fund. Members of the House DFL criticized their GOP colleagues, saying $35 million over two years is insufficient.

"It's unfortunate when we have the opportunity to invest in broadband that we're missing it," said Rep. Paul Marquart, DFL-Dilworth. "We have a $900 million surplus."

Lt. Gov. Tina Smith, who has been working to build support for the Dayton administration's broadband spending proposal, said in a statement that the House Republican proposals "barely make a dent in the need for high-speed, affordable broadband access in Greater Minnesota."