During this legislative session, I worked with the Governor and my colleagues to pass a historic expansion of broadband internet that will benefit Californians for generations to come. This legislation will expand broadband access to rural areas while also increasing the speeds of existing networks in urban areas.
The pandemic brought to light many of the inequalities faced in our communities. Californians needed to stay safe by working from home and attending school online but the lack of broadband infrastructure made that impossible for many of us. In fact, 40 percent of low-income students lacked reliable internet access in their home during 2020.
For this reason, the Legislature has taken action to reduce and eventually eliminate the digital divide. While our state is taking action to expand broadband immediately, a Federal program called the Emergency Broadband Benefit is available to help you now.
Visit the program's qualification guidelines for more information about your eligibility. Funds are only available until they run out, so apply today if you qualify!