[RAY BOGAN]
Programs that help low-income Americans gain access to the internet are underfunded. Now, Republicans and Democrats in Congress are actually working together to get more funding.
Lawmakers introduced the Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act, which would provide $7 billion to help Americans living below the poverty line pay their monthly internet bills.
On February 8, the FCC stopped accepting new applications and enrollments for the Affordable Connectivity Program. Unless Congress provides additional funding, the FCC predicts he will run out of funding by April.
[Rep. Marc Molinaro, R-N.Y.]
“But as a kid who grew up on food stamps, I can tell you that every dollar counts. And when families are in this program, if this program ends and the money is allowed to be spent, families are going to have to make some really important decisions, and I can tell you what will be cut from their budget, and that is access to the internet. ”
[RAY BOGAN]
The program outline is as follows.
In 2021, Congress passed bipartisan infrastructure legislation. Gives his $14.2 billion to the FCC to help eligible households get up to $30 off their monthly internet bills and a one-time $100 discount on the purchase of a laptop, desktop, or tablet. did. 22 million households are registered, Lawmakers have warned there will be consequences if they don’t act.
[Rep. Marc Molinaro, R-N.Y.]
“There will be mothers and fathers who struggle with their mental health and cannot access mental health support because there is no internet service. There will be children who need the internet to improve their education or grow. , they will not have access.” said Congressman Mark Molinaro (New York).
[RAY BOGAN]
To qualify, your household income must be less than 200% of the federal poverty level. If the member participates in another federal assistance program, such as her SNAP, Medicaid, or federal public housing assistance, her family is also eligible.
Half of the beneficiaries will be military families, 4 million will be seniors, 3 million will be families with school-age children eligible for free or reduced-price meals, and 1 million will be low-income college students, Molinaro said. .
[Rep. Norma Torres, D-Calif.]
“We are here to fight for fair access to high-speed broadband internet, which is a basic necessity in 2024,” said Rep. Norma Torres, D-Calif. . “In an age of virtual meetings, telehealth appointments, and online schoolwork, it’s more important than ever for Americans to have access to affordable, high-speed internet.”
[RAY BOGAN]
The bill has at least 29 co-sponsors in the House and three co-sponsors in the Senate. The members range from Sen. J.D. Vance (R-Ohio), who would have been eligible for the program as a child, to Democratic Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee of Texas.
