How Does the CARES Act Connect Us?

President Donald Trump signed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (or CARES Act) into law late last month. With a $2.2 trillion dollar price tag, the law has gotten a lot of attention for its direct payments to U.S. taxpayers and assistance to companies. But there's more -- lots more -- here that demonstrates the importance of communications -- and broadband -- during this national emergency. The CARES Act includes several telehealth provisions, relaxing guidelines for Medicare coverage and allowing for connected health at federally-qualified health centers (FQHCs), rural health clinics (RHCs) and hospices. Schools across the nation began shutting down early in March; many will not reopen until next school year. At the same time, they must continue to help address the basic needs of students and develop plans for providing online learning for all students, including students with disabilities, English language learners and homeless students. The CARES Act aims, in part, to help the transition to online learning. Rural areas get targeted support through the U.S. Department of Agriculture. And there's even money for digital inclusion efforts.