GALESBURG, Illinois — If the Affordable Connectivity Program is terminated at the end of April, 23 million people in the United States may soon be unable to afford internet connectivity in their homes. The ACP offers households with low incomes a weekly payment of thirty dollars to assist them in affording broadband service. If Congress does not pass billions of dollars before the end of the month to continue funding the program, then it is possible that those homes will not be able to afford internet service going forward.
A roundtable discussion was held at Carl Sandburg College on Friday, April 4, and was hosted by Representative Eric Sorenson, a Democrat representing the 17th district of Illinois. If the ACP is not expanded, the congressman discussed potential options with internet service providers and senior members of the community.
“This is not a red problem, it is not a blue problem, this is a problem that exists in every district,” Sorenson said. “This is a problem that all districts face.”
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) includes a smaller number of households than the Supplemental Assistance Program (ACP). Access to the Internet is essential, according to advocates, for kids who are working on their schoolwork, for people who are working from home, and for anyone who simply wants to contact other people.
The statement made by Sorenson was that “everyone needs connectivity to the internet today.” “Plain and simple.”
