What Does the COVID-19 Stimulus Bill Mean for Tech?

The Senate approved the $2.2 trillion stimulus package titled Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which provides $150 billion to states and local government to respond to the pandemic and economic crisis caused by COVID-19. A breakdown of some of the key funding streams that are either directly related to technology or may incorporate technology as an allowable expense:

• Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT), and Broadband Program -- $25 Million: The DLT grant program supports rural communities’ access to telecommunications, audio and video equipment, as well as related advanced technologies for students, teachers and medical professionals.
• Telehealth -- $200 Million: For the Federal Communications Commission to support the efforts of health-care providers to address coronavirus by providing telecommunications services, information services, and devices necessary to enable the provision of telehealth services.
• Public Health Data Surveillance and Infrastructure Modernization -- $500 Million: Funding to invest in better COVID-19 tools and build state and local public health data infrastructure.
• Elementary and Secondary Education -- $13.5 Billion: Over $13 billion in formula funding directly to states, to help schools meet the immediate needs of K-12 districts to improve the use of education technology and support distance education.

The Corporation for Public Broadcasting also received $75 million in emergency funds.