Help Expand Broadband in New York State!
The New York State Department of Public Service (DPS) needs your help to map existing broadband infrastructure across the state and determine where – and why – expansion is most desperately needed. Visit www.empirestatebroadband.com by Fri., March 18th to complete the short survey online, or call toll-free at 1-855-NYBBMAP (1-855-692-2627) to request a paper copy in the mail.
The importance of digital connectivity to the mental and physical health of seniors has been highlighted by the COVID-19 crisis, when preventative telemedicine and remote options for socialization and services have become necessities to daily living for many older New Yorkers and those who care for them. With more than $1 billion proposed in the State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2022-23 Executive Budget to expand broadband infrastructure and access across the state, the DPS survey provides LeadingAge NY members and the seniors they serve a unique opportunity to weigh in, identify gaps in affordable internet coverage, and underscore their impact on the health and wellbeing of excluded communities.
LeadingAge NY continues to advocate to maximize the positive effects of proposed broadband funding on quality of life for New York's seniors, and members are encouraged to join the fight by asking their legislators to prioritize low-income seniors and other vulnerable populations living in affordable housing as a target for those funds in this year’s State Budget. A draft message including this and all of our affordable senior housing budget asks in an easy-to-use submission form can be found here.
Senior housing providers interested in increasing broadband access for their residents can also refer to the recently released Broadband in Affordable Housing white paper from the LeadingAge National Center for Aging Services Technologies (CAST) for help navigating the process of expanding affordable connectivity on their properties.
Contact: Annalyse Komoroske Denio, akomoroskedenio@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8866