Digital Equity
The COVID-19 pandemic has increasingly shifted many parts of personal and professional life online, calling further attention to issues of digital equity, which has emerged as a key priority for the Coalition. As broadband is regularly used for school, work and telehealth services, affordable high-speed internet is essential for healthcare access as well as day-to-day parts of life. Yet, estimates show that more than 30 million Americans, the majority of whom live on Tribal lands or in other rural areas, do not have access to broadband infrastructure that delivers reliable service. The Coalition highlights policies that work to close this digital divide, especially as the pandemic continues to affect life across the country.
Resources and Information
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Federal Communications Commission: ‘Eighth Broadband Progress Report”
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Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality database: “Poverty and Access to Internet, by County”
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Journal of Medical Internet Research article: “Digital Health Equity and COVID-19: The Innovation Curve Cannot Reinforce the Social Gradient of Health”
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NJP Digital Medicine journal article: “Digital inclusion as a social determinant of health”
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American Journal of Public Health article: “Broadband Internet Access Is a Social Determinant of Health!”
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Cardiovascular Risk Reports journal article: “Can you see my screen?” Addressing Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Telehealth”
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JAMA journal article: “Bridging the Digital Divide to Avoid Leaving the Most Vulnerable Behind”
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Brookings Institute research: “Using digital health to improve health outcomes and equity”
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American Hospital Association article: “Digital Is the Next Frontier of Health Equity”
H.R. 2552 - Representative Anna Eshoo (D-CA)
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Introduced on 4/10/23
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13 Co-Sponsors as of 8/4/23
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S.1197 - Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ)
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Introduced on 4/19/23
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5 Co-Sponsors as of 8/4/23
Community Broadband Act of 2023
Description
The bill would:
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Bridge the digital divide by allowing local communities to ensure their residents have broadband access through expanded public-private partnerships and locally-owned broadband systems.
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Currently, 21 states have passed laws that either restrict or outright prohibit local communities from investing local dollars in building their own broadband networks.
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Nullify laws in 21 states that either restrict or outright prohibit local communities from investing local dollars in building their own broadband networks.
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Preserve the local right to self-determination in connecting communities and allowing residents better access to high-quality internet services for school, work and telehealth needs.
Status
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The bill was referred to the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology and the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
Additional Information
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Rep. Eshoo office press release: Rep. Eshoo, Sen. Booker Introduce Bill to Expand Internet Access and Protect Local Communities’ Broadband Networks
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National Association of Counties article: Support Community Broadband Act
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New America article: House Democrats introduce legislation to expand affordable broadband Rep. Eshoo, Sen. Booker Introduce Bill to Boost Community Broadband Networks access
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National League of Cities article: Support Broadband Access for All Communities
Contact
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For further information about this issue or other legislation in the ELM, please contact Tom Dorney at tdorney@rootcausecoalition.org or Hannah Miller at hmiller@rootcausecoalition.org