John,
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought much attention to a fundamental gap in our country's infrastructure: limited or non-existent access to broadband internet.
That's why I introduced the Broadband Justice Act. This piece of legislation requires the Housing and Urban Development Department — along with the Treasury and USDA — to update its utility allowance to include broadband access as a subsidized utility for families living in federally-assisted housing, and to create a grant program to help build out broadband-related infrastructure.
The COVID-19 pandemic has only underscored the fact that broadband internet access is an essential utility for every 21st century household. During the first month of the pandemic alone, there was a 154% increase in the use of tele and video health. And since schools closed, millions of students and educators have been relying on broadband to learn, teach, and connect with their school communities.
Access to broadband is not just an infrastructure issue — it's an economic and racial justice issue, too. Exorbitant monthly fees and a lack of infrastructure has led to a massive broadband divide in our communities. By the numbers:
Lawmakers and organizers alike have been speaking up about the need for broadband to become a utility for years. Now, with the Broadband Justice Act, I'm hopeful that we can make a clear mandate once and for all. No family or individual should have to choose between paying for monthly access to the internet and putting food on the table.
I am continuously grateful to see the massive impact our collective voice has made on groundbreaking issues. From rallying around the COUP Act to amplifying our Care for All Agenda, our movement is growing — and it's thanks to supporters like you.
Thank you for fighting with me. Peace and love!
— Jamaal Bowman
