Illinois Senate Bill SR0785

Illinois 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/21/24
• Refer: 2/21/24
• Refer: 3/20/24
• Report Pass: 4/11/24
• Passed: 5/25/24

Caption

ACP-SUPPORT

Impact

The debate surrounding SR0785 is centered on the urgency of extending funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which has successfully enrolled nearly 700,000 households in Illinois and 23 million nationwide. The resolution calls on each member of the Illinois Congressional Delegation to advocate for ongoing financial support for the ACP to ensure that low-income households can continue to benefit from essential broadband services needed to engage fully in the digital marketplace. The potential exhaustion of ACP funding slated for early 2024 poses a serious threat to these households, making the resolution's objectives increasingly critical.

Summary

Senate Resolution SR0785, titled 'ACP-SUPPORT', aims to address the significant issue of the digital divide in Illinois and throughout the United States. The resolution highlights the essentiality of access to affordable, reliable, and high-speed broadband as a cornerstone for full participation in modern life. It emphasizes the barriers that the digital divide creates, particularly in accessing crucial public services such as healthcare and education, thus undermining economic competitiveness within the state.

Contention

While SR0785 seeks to unite support for broadband access, there are notable points of contention that revolve around the balance between funding priorities and technological investment. Supporters argue that without continued support for programs like the ACP, more households will be left vulnerable, exacerbating existing socioeconomic disparities. Critics may question the long-term sustainability of funding these initiatives, with skeptics indicating possible challenges in prioritizing limited financial resources in a competitive budgeting environment.