Policy Resolution TST-25-10

WHEREAS, the National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL) acknowledges the crucial role that broadband plays in today’s society and has championed the inclusion of broadband support for low-income Americans;

WHEREAS, NBCSL’s 2024 policy resolution, Empowering Low-Income Communities, urged our nation’s government to establish sufficient, congressionally funded broadband subsidies as long-term benefits alongside initiatives for broadband adoption, deployment in disadvantaged communities and educational solutions for those facing digital inequity;

WHEREAS, Congress passed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, allocating $14.2 billion for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) in 2021 by offering discounts on internet service and connected devices to low-income consumers;

WHEREAS, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), along with other federal, state, and government agencies, community organizations, and private corporations worked tirelessly to raise awareness and enroll more than 23 million households across rural, suburban, and urban America in the ACP according to the FCC; and

WHEREAS, the ACP ended on May 31, 2024, due to the lack of additional funding from Congress, creating an urgent situation that could negatively impact the success of the National Telecommunications Information Administration’s Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program’s effort to close the digital divide, potentially leaving millions of low-income consumers without essential broadband support.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL) calls upon the President of the United States and the United States Congress to collaborate and provide sustainable funding for a broadband subsidy program for millions of Americans across the United States, and also support continued broadband deployment to disadvantaged communities.

• Resolution ID: TST-25-10
• Sponsored by: Rep. KC Ohaebosim (KS)
• Policy Committee: Telecommunications, Science, and Technology (TST)