New Jersey Senate Bill SR82

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/7/24
• Passed: 3/18/24

Caption

Urges United States Congress to renew funding for Affordable Connectivity Program.

Impact

The ACP was launched by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in 2021 to address the growing digital divide by offering financial support for internet services. Eligible households can receive discounts of up to $30 per month for internet service, with higher subsidies available for households on Tribal lands. Additionally, the program assists with one-time discounts for purchasing devices such as computers or tablets. The funding renewal becomes critical as the ACP is projected to run out of resources by April 2024, jeopardizing the benefits for over 20 million households across the nation, including 335,079 in New Jersey alone.

Summary

Senate Resolution 82 (SR82) is a resolution introduced in the New Jersey Senate that urges the United States Congress to renew funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). This initiative is vital in providing crucial assistance to millions of Americans who struggle to access broadband internet services, especially low-wage earners and individuals residing in rural areas. The resolution highlights the program's significance in daily activities such as work, education, and healthcare access, which are increasingly reliant on stable internet connectivity.

Contention

Despite its success, there is a pressing need for additional congressional funding to sustain the ACP, as the program faces potential expiration. The resolution serves not only to highlight the current state of broadband access in New Jersey but also to prompt legislative action that prioritizes digital inclusivity. Discussions around this issue may involve heightened debates on federal budget allocations and the long-term commitments needed to secure equitable access to essential services in a digital age.