MATSUI SOUNDS ALARM ON LOSS OF INTERNET SAVINGS, DISCUSSES FUTURE OF AFFORDABLE CONNECTIVITY PROGRAM

SACRAMENTO, CA – Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-07) and local leaders held a press conference to discuss the future of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which is helping millions of Americans save up to $30 a month on their internet bill.

As funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program remains uncertain due to Republican-led opposition, Congresswoman Matsui and leaders from Valley Vision, the Sacramento Public Library and United Way made the case for this critically important program and how our regional community stands to lose internet access if funding expires.

“Families across our region are saving real money on their internet bills, and I am doing everything I can to keep it that way,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “Access to reliable, fast internet determines who gets to participate and succeed in the 21st Century economy. That’s why when we were crafting the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, I was unyielding in my calls for broadband access and affordability. The ACP works – it’s helping over 23 million households across the nation maintain an internet connection. For those families relying on the ACP to stay connected, an unexpected lapse or loss in service is simply unacceptable. I am committed to working with my colleagues to get the ACP funded.”

“The federal Affordable Connectivity Program is an incredibly important resource for our community,” said Evan Schmidt, CEO, Valley Vision. “More than 107,000 households in Sacramento County and West Sacramento are currently signed on but at risk of losing vital Internet access in May when the funding expires, while another 147,000 households are eligible and not yet signed on.”

“Now more than ever, it is crucial that all Sacramento County residents have affordable access to the internet,” said Jarrid Keller, Deputy Director, Sacramento Public Library. “To bridge the digital divide once and for all, essential infrastructure programs such as the Affordable Connectivity Program must continue; otherwise, the gap between the connected and unconnected will continue to widen.”

“The Affordable Connectivity Program bridges the digital divide by offering significant internet service discounts to eligible households,” said Dr. Dawnte Early, President and CEO, United Way California Capital Region. “By ensuring affordable access, the ACP empowers individuals, fosters education, connects them to valuable resources and strengthens their economic opportunities. Continuing this program beyond this month is crucial for combating poverty, ensuring equitable opportunities, and removing barriers faced by those without means to purchase digital devices and internet connections. COVID-19 underscored the importance of connectivity, and the ACP helps remove barriers by providing a means for households to connect to the internet without having to go without.”

Last Congress, Democrats established the ACP through the enactment of the American Rescue Plan and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The ACP provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on Tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers. A household is eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program if the household income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

The ACP currently helps ~23 million households afford an internet connection, including over 107,000 in the Sacramento region. However, without additional funding, the ACP is at risk of expiring in April. Congresswoman Matsui is one of the leading voices calling for a continuation of the program.

Congresswoman Matsui has led national efforts to close the digital divide and ensure access to affordable broadband. She serves as Ranking Member of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, where she oversees the nation’s most pressing tech challenges. She also chairs the Congressional High-Tech and Spectrum Caucuses.

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