Opinion: California must not backtrack on promise of broadband for all

In 2021, California did something truly remarkable and forward looking by approving historic legislation that allocated a record $6 billion to bring equitable and affordable high-speed broadband service to all its citizens. The multiyear investment aimed to close the digital divide by building the largest “middle-mile” and “last-mile” high-speed broadband internet project in the nation. However, with the state facing a record $44.9 billion budget deficit this year, Gov Gavin Newsom (D-CA) plans to cut $2 billion for the program he previously championed. California lawmakers must not backtrack on that commitment. We must continue this investment and reconsider a state bond, as the Legislature did in 2021, to fully fund and complete the unfinished work. As a former state assemblymember who served during severe budget deficits after the Great Recession, I certainly understand that this year’s budget situation is a very difficult one. But California made a promise to expand broadband for all, and we must complete the full 10,000 miles as quickly as possible and not leave unconnected and underconnected communities waiting.

[Luis A. Alejo is a Monterey county supervisor, former state assemblymember and a board member of the California Middle Mile Advisory Committee and the California State Association of Counties.]