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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2019 - 2020
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | April 14, 2020 09:11 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Jeanne McNeill |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Prohibition of Cable/Internet Termination During Declared Disaster Emergency |
| Imagine not being able to stay up to date with the most recent Coronavirus updates or losing the ability to virtually connect with loved ones during this time of uncertainty. What happens if your child is unable to participate through online distance learning? For some Pennsylvanians, this has become a reality. During these unprecedented times, updates are occurring by the second and to lose the ability to access crucial information is detrimental to both our physical and mental health. Additionally, our students are dependent on the ability to connect to the Internet to continue their education and collaborate with their teachers and classmates. To ensure continued cable and Internet access, I will be introducing legislation that protects Pennsylvanians from having their services terminated during a declared disaster emergency. Cable and Internet providers are already taking steps to help their customers afford services and it is our duty as lawmakers to ensure these services are not terminated because an individual is unable to pay. Under my legislation, customers will have until the Governor lifts the emergency declaration to pay for their services. No one should be fearful of losing the ability to access lifesaving information and connect with friends and family outside of the home during a declared disaster emergency. As our Commonwealth continues to adjust to the economic and social impacts of COVID-19, I hope you will join me to support yet another way to protect our most vulnerable citizens. |
Introduced as HB2410