Foster Introduces Legislation to Expand Broadband Access for Students

Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) introduced the Closing the Digital Divide for Students Act to expand broadband access for low-income families in HUD-assisted housing. This bill would allow families living in HUD-assisted housing, whose children qualify for free or reduced lunch, to use federal assistance on broadband internet access.

Currently, families who live in HUD-assisted housing receive financial assistance for utility bills like electricity and gas. This legislation would expand what utilities are permissible, allowing families to use this assistance on basic broadband internet.

"It is more important than ever for students to have access to reliable internet connectivity at home," said Foster. "As schools increasingly incorporate technology into their curriculums, students shouldn't be disadvantaged by the high price of internet access. This bill would help close the divide for the millions of students who lack broadband internet access in their home, allowing them to succeed in their courses."

 A copy of the bill is available here.

The legislation is cosponsored by Rep. Madeleine Dean (D-PA), Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA), Rep. Joyce Beatty, (D-OH), and Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC).      

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