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Friend,
COVID-19 infection rates in the U.S. are skyrocketing. People are being evicted because they can’t attend online eviction hearings since they can’t afford an internet connection. Predatory prison phone rates are disconnecting incarcerated people from their families. Millions of schoolchildren will be attending classes virtually this fall.
And what has the Senate done to ensure that people can get and stay online during the pandemic?
Almost nothing.
Demand that the Senate take swift action to ensure people can connect to communications services during the COVID-19 crisis.
Even before the pandemic, 22% of households didn’t have home-internet service, due largely to a lack of affordable options. And this digital divide is particularly acute for low-income families and communities of color. Only 56% of households making less than $20,000 have home broadband, and Black and Hispanic households lag behind their white counterparts.
During the pandemic, people need the internet more than ever to connect to jobs, education and health care — but are even less likely to be able to afford broadband in the face of unprecedented job and income losses.
Being able to get and stay connected is a civil and human right. Tell the Senate to take action and provide relief today.
Thanks for all that you do—
Heather and the rest of the Free Press Action team
freepress.net
P.S. As the COVID-19 crisis worsens, people need affordable internet to connect to jobs, education, health care and so much more. Urge the Senate to get and keep people connected during the pandemic.
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