National Affordable Connectivity Program in Jeopardy
In a Jan. 8th report to congressional offices, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel pleaded for $6 billion in supplemental funding to extend the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) through the end of 2024. The program’s 23 million enrolled low-income households receive a $30 monthly subsidy for internet service.
Without additional funding, and with the current projected end date of the program less than four months away, the FCC expects to start winding down operations this week, the Chairwoman noted in her report.
In response to the plea, the ACP Extension Act was introduced on Jan. 10th in the Senate and the House to authorize $7 billion to extend the program at least through the end of 2024. The bipartisan bill was co-sponsored in the House by Representatives Clarke, Fitzpatrick, Lawler, Molinaro, and D’Esposito of NY.
Recently, LeadingAge helped streamline access to the ACP for Multifamily Housing residents by successfully advocating for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the FCC to enter into a data sharing agreement to help HUD-assisted Multifamily Housing residents easily enroll in the program. LeadingAge supports this legislation to extend the ACP.
Contact: Annalyse Komoroske Denio, akomoroskedenio@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8866