Urges United States Congress to permanently fund Affordable Connectivity Program.
Impact
Currently, more than 20 million households across the country benefit from the ACP, with approximately 335,079 households in New Jersey alone enrolled in the program as of January 2024. The ACP provides substantial financial relief, offering discounts of up to $30 per month for eligible internet service and a one-time discount of up to $100 for the purchase of devices like tablets or computers. In New Jersey, this program has facilitated nearly $152 million in funding, yielding significant cumulative savings for enrolled households.
Summary
Assembly Resolution No. 117 (AR117) urges the United States Congress to permanently fund the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), a federal initiative designed to ensure broadband access for low-income households. The resolution highlights the critical role that broadband plays in various aspects of everyday life, including education, work, and healthcare. It identifies the significant number of Americans, particularly in rural areas, who currently struggle without reliable internet access, adversely impacting their economic and social mobility.
Contention
There is concern regarding the future of the ACP as it faces potential expiration in April 2024 due to a looming budget shortfall. Without further congressional funding, the program is set to exhaust its $14.2 billion budget, which could drastically reduce or eliminate the assistance provided to struggling households across the nation. The resolution emphasizes the need for sustained funding to continue fostering equitable access to essential digital resources, thereby improving education, economic conditions, and healthcare outcomes for the underserved.
Memorializes the United States Congress to support the extension of funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program which provides our citizens with access to broadband services
Urging and requesting the United States Congress to support the extension of funding for the 2021 Affordable Connectivity Program, which provides Hoosiers with affordable access to broadband services.
A resolution to affirm this chamber's commitment to supporting an extension of the Affordable Connectivity Program, recognizing that this program provides Michigan citizens statewide with access to affordable broadband services.
A resolution to affirm this chamber’s commitment to supporting an extension of the Affordable Connectivity Program, recognizing that this program provides Michigan citizens statewide with access to affordable broadband services.
Memorializes Congress to support the extension of funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) of 2021, which provides Louisiana residents access to broadband services.
Urging and requesting the United States Congress to support the extension of funding for the 2021 Affordable Connectivity Program, which provides Hoosiers with affordable access to broadband services.