Illinois forms council to get seniors and low-income residents online

Gov Bruce Rauner (R-IL) signed into law a bill designed to increase broadband access for the state's growing, but less-connected older population. The bill establishes a 21-member Broadband Advisory Council tasked with figuring out why more seniors aren't using the internet, creating digital literacy programs to overcome those barriers and exploring new technologies to increase broadband connectivity for residents 65 years and older. Among the council members is the secretary of innovation and technology, a spot currently filled by state Chief Information Officer Kirk Lonbom. The council is also intended to serve as an advocacy channel for state government agencies seeking to meet the need for broadband in underserved communities. The law also tasks the advisory board to explore the difference in broadband connectivity between low-income residents and other populations.