Dear Friend,

I am pleased to share with you that I have introduced a resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives to expand broadband internet access for students.

The Closing the Digital Divide for Students Act would expand broadband access for low-income families in HUD-assisted housing whose children qualify for free or reduced lunch. Specifically, this bill would allow HUD to include basic broadband internet as a utility eligible for financial assistance, like electricity and gas. As schools increasingly incorporate technology into their curriculums, students should not be disadvantaged because of the high price of internet access.

According to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, 18 percent of the 24 million households without home internet cite a lack of affordability as their reason for being offline. This bill would address this issue, providing millions of students who lack broadband internet access in their home with the tools to succeed in their studies.

Additionally, I am proud to support the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) Extension Act, which would extend funding for the ACP, currently set to expire this month. According to a White House study, this important program lowers internet costs for nearly 700,000 Illinoisans, including 18,000 people in our district.

It is an honor to represent you and, as always, my office is here to work for you. Please do not hesitate to contact my office at any of the numbers listed below.

Sincerely,

Bill Foster
Member of Congress