Written by Yak Zai
Living in Seattle can be expensive, especially if you’re on a fixed income and have a disability like I am. It can also be difficult to navigate if you don’t have internet access. That’s why the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), a federal program that helps Emerald City’s neighbors access the internet and cell phones, is a big help every month. It also saved us a few bucks for a rainy day. You can get a lot of money in Seattle. If Congress doesn’t act and fund ACP by spring, my finances will be hit hard if this program dries up.
Born out of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, ACP has helped individuals like me receive an extra $30 each month towards their internet service bill. She is one of more than 358,000 similar households in Washington state, or one in eight, currently taking advantage of the program. More than 20 million households nationwide use ACP every day.
Numbers don’t lie. These clearly demonstrate the great need for this program. That’s why I’m perplexed that funding for this program is about to run out. Some Republicans who previously voted for ACP are currently stalling passage of the Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act, which would fund the program through the end of 2024.
My family is from Vietnam. He came to America in 1986 in search of a better life and with grit and determination started his own business. I helped my family run a coffee and food stand for many years. However, due to my mother having to retire and other unexpected family health issues, we had to close down our business. It was one of the most difficult things that me and my family have ever faced. Later, I also worked for local nonprofits and customer service. It’s been about four years since I had to go on disability due to chronic heart disease and mobility issues. It was tough. I miss working, seeing co-workers, and the feeling I get after a busy day.
If you are not healthy enough to work, your monthly income will not be enough to cover your living expenses, even if you are lucky enough to live with your family. Even if you receive food assistance, there are days when you can’t buy all your groceries. You have to choose between paying your electricity bill or your water bill. I always rob Peter to pay Paul. This is why ACP is so important. Over the past two years, this program has been a life-saving program for me, helping me afford the internet and connecting with my family and doctors. Without it, the Internet would not exist. Now, thanks to the extra money, you can cover the most basic expenses of life.
That is a hard fact of America today. As those at the top gain more and more power and the rest lose more and more status, those in the middle are being squeezed.
Our economy is broken. ACP is the glue that helps millions of Americans, just like me, maintain more financial stability. It makes a huge difference in the world every day. In this economy, even a little extra financial security can go a long way.
We need a permanent fix and long-term solution. That’s why Congress should now pass the Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act to continue funding the program. I would like to see Sen. Cortez Masto and Sen. Patty Murray sign the bill to support me and the ACP. At the end of the day, our destinies as Americans are clearly tied together, and what Congress does or doesn’t do matters.
Yack Zay lives in Seattle and is a member of WorkMoney.
