State Digital Equity Officials Say Internet Programs Serve Everyone
States are working to coordinate digital equity initiatives with the larger $42.5 billion BEAD infrastructure program.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 5, 2024 - The future of federal digital equity programs could face challenges under an upcoming Donald Trump administration, though state officials say they're pushing ahead with implementing current initiatives.
During a Broadband Breakfast Live Online event on November 27, experts discussed the status of digital equity programs funded through the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The law included the $2.75 billion Digital Equity Act, which created both a Capacity Grant program for states and a Competitive Grant program for organizations working to close the digital divide.
Angela Siefer, executive director of the National Digital Inclusion Alliance, pushed back against recent criticism from Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, who called for pausing the $1.25 billion Digital Equity Competitive Grant program over concerns about "impermissible race-based discrimination."
Angela Siefer
