John,
BREAKING NEWS: The House of Representatives just released the text of the next COVID-19 spending package, and it includes almost everything we’ve been fighting for to ensure Internet access for all during this crisis.1
But Big Cable’s friends in Congress will try to gut the bill and push to bail out telecom CEOs instead. Will you chip in to support our rapid response campaign to make sure that doesn’t happen?
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It has never been more clear that access to a free and open Internet is a basic human right. In the midst of this pandemic, people are completely dependent on the Internet for medical appointments, to go to work and school, and to stay connected with loved ones.
But the United State’s dirty secret is that 22 percent of homes don’t have access to the Internet at all—including more than 4 million homes with school-aged children.2 And there are millions more who could soon be on the brink of losing access if they can’t afford their payment.3
The HEROES Act that Congress just unveiled would finally do something about this, starting with an immediate $50 / month of assistance to help make sure every family who needs to can get online. And it would make it illegal for broadband providers to cut off service or impose unfair overage fees on individuals and small businesses.
We’re launching a rapid response campaign to get this bill passed and make sure that corrupt lawmakers don’t mess it up. Will you chip in?
If you’re reading this email, it probably means you have access to some kind of Internet connection. Try to imagine what it would be like right now if you didn’t. No watching shows, no video calls with family, no access to public health information, no way to research hot to access benefits or find a job. Nothing.
Leaving people disconnected right now isn’t just isolating. It’s dangerous and it's wrong. We can fix this and get Internet access to people who urgently need it. But we need your help.
Please chip in whatever you can today to help get the HEROES Act passed and stop attempts to water it down or make it worse.
If you can’t donate right now because of your own financial hardships or because you’re out of work. We totally understand. Please know that we’ll continue fighting for you no matter what.
Take care,
Evan at Fight for the Future
P.S. As you know from our last email, we’re facing a significant fundraising shortfall right now. So please, if you’re able to give, now’s the time! One of the best ways to help is to sign up to chip in a small amount, like $10 or $20, every month. Click here if you can become a monthly donor. Thanks!
Footnotes:
1. CBS News: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/heroes-act-coronavirus-relief-package-house-democrats-new-bill-friday-vote/
2. The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/mar/23/us-students-are-being-asked-to-work-remotely-but-22-of-homes-dont-have-internet
3. NPR: https://www.npr.org/sections/coronavirus-live-updates/2020/04/30/848021681/a-staggering-toll-30-million-have-filed-for-unemployment
Fight for the Future works to protect your rights in the digital age.
