Affordable Broadband Needed for Public Health, Economic Security
Today, Texas Progressive Action Network joins again with The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights along with 80+ organizations to urge Congress to provide a low-income broadband benefit as part of forthcoming COVID-19 legislation.
“The need for connectivity across the country has never been greater, exacerbating the consequences of the existing digital divide, even as fewer people will be able to afford broadband during the crisis.”
Affordable broadband is necessary in order to:
Provide telehealth for everyone – particularly seniors and veterans. Patients and people with disabilities must have a reliable broadband service at home to take advantage of remote health care and the additional authorization for telehealth in the CARES Act.
Ensure a more rapid end to the COVID-19 emergency. Broadband enables all people in the United States to more easily comply with national stay-at-home guidelines and local orders, which will mean a faster end to the outbreak.
Fill the “homework gap.” Children and families stuck at home will be able to engage in distance learning and communication with schools. To be effective, high-speed broadband at home must meet the needs of a whole family and withstand intensive network use.
Economic security. Workers and small business owners need a quality broadband service to work from home or apply for emergency benefits.
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Texas Progressive Action Network is a people powered nonprofit committed to advancing voter education and good public policy in Texas through advocacy and outreach.
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Texas Progressive Action Network
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