Congress Must Extend Affordable Connectivity Program Funding to Keep Kids Connected

If Congress doesn’t act to extend the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), millions of households that currently have broadband internet access could lose it before the end of the 2023-2024 school year. Students could fall into the “homework gap," meaning they won't be able to complete schoolwork at home and keep up with their classmates. Congress and the Biden Administration must work together to approve additional ACP funding to ensure that students aren’t left without internet in the middle of this school year, and that the program is funded for years to come.

[Olivia Wein is a senior attorney at the National Consumer Law Center focusing on policies and programs that protect low-income consumers’ access to essential utility services, including energy, water, and broadband service. Cheryl A. Leanza serves as policy advisor to the United Church of Christ’s historic media advocacy arm and as the Co-Chair of the Leadership Conference of Civil Rights Media & Telecommunications Task Force.]