GALESBURG, Ill. — 23 million Americans may soon not be able to afford internet access in their home if the Affordable Connectivity Program expires at the end of April. The ACP provides low-income households $30 each week to help afford broadband service. Unless Congress passes billions of dollars before the end of the month to continue funding the program, those households may not be able to afford internet access.
Illinois 17th district Rep. Eric Sorenson, a Democrat, hosted a roundtable discussion at Carl Sandburg College Friday, April 4. The Congressman talked with internet providers and community leaders about solutions if the ACP is not extended.
'This isn't a red problem, It's not a blue problem, this is a problem that exists in every district," Sorenson said.
More households participate in the ACP than the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Advocates said internet access is imperative for students completing homework, people working from home and anyone simply wanting to communicate with others.
"Everybody needs connectivity to the internet today," Sorenson said. "Plain and simple."
The Congressman shared multiple stories from residents in the 17th District. One of them was from a woman in Galesburg. Sorenson shared that if the ACP ends, the resident said she will no longer have contact with people outside of her home.
The Federal Communications Commission, which oversees the ACP, has already issued guidance to broadband providers on notifying recipients that they could lose their internet service.
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