Dear John,

Do you need a discount on your monthly internet bills? This week, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) launched the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which is the permanent implementation of the Emergency Broadband Benefit, to provide just that. In addition to providing a monthly discount, the ACP expands eligibility criteria, increases consumer protections in the program and is designed to serve a longer period once the COVID-19 pandemic ends.

The new ACP program provides: 

• Up to $30/month discount on the monthly cost of internet service 
• Up to $75/month discount for households on qualifying Tribal lands and other rural areas
• A one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer (with a co-payment of more than $10 but less than $50)

The ACP is being created with $14.2 billion in funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. 

Over the past two years, National Guard and Reserve Members have stepped up time and time again to serve our nation in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the January 6th attack, protests, national disaster response, the withdrawal from Afghanistan and much more. Despite this service, they do not have the same equal access to the GI Bill benefits they have earned.

To address this issue, the House passed the Guard and Reserve GI Bill Parity Act this week to give our Guardsmen and Reserve Members the benefits they deserve.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) 

Pennsylvania has $480 million in relief funds available through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

As Pennsylvanians continue to deal with the impacts of the pandemic and high energy costs, Pennsylvania families and seniors are able to use this funding to lower the costs of staying warm this winter and pay for energy repairs. Click the link below to find out if you’re eligible for heating assistance.

Support Letters for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant

If you or someone you know volunteers at local fire or hose companies, please ask if they submitted an Assistance to Firefighters Grant application and encourage them to ask for a letter of support by submitting an email on our website.

Only basic information is needed, such as the grant amount requested, what items will be purchased if funded and some basics on how the purchase will benefit the community, as well as why it is currently out of reach financially.

The application window for this grant has closed, but they can start planning for next year with the help of my staff or by attending one of the FEMA’s virtual workshops that have already started. Send me an email for a consultation, and I will connect you to my staff. 

Be safe and well,