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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2021 - 2022
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | March 11, 2021 07:27 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Jason Ortitay |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Broadband Deployment and Development Program |
| The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the economic and educational costs incurred by families who do not have meaningful access to broadband coverage across the Commonwealth. That is why I will be introducing legislation to establish the Broadband Deployment and Development Program. The Broadband Deployment and Development Program would be a county-run program to provide grants to individuals who lack reliable access to high-speed broadband service. The recipients would be able to use the grant to offset the costs of acquiring high-speed broadband service, including the up-front cost of equipment and monthly subscription services. Counties with low broadband coverage would be prioritized in the formula, but each county would receive an allocation. I am introducing this legislation now, in preparation for future allocations from the federal government that the Commonwealth would be permitted to use for these purposes. If such funding does arrive, I believe that having this legislation prepared will allow us to allocate the funding promptly. I look forward to working with you on this important legislation. |
Introduced as HB956