By Blake Haas
BLOOMINGTON – A Central Illinois lawmaker wants to renew the Affordable Connectivity Program after its expiration at the end of April.
The ACP program ensures that households receive broadband internet at a discount and a one-time hundred-dollar discount to purchase a laptop.
However, the program expired at the end of April, and Democratic Congressman Eric Sorensen wants his counterparts to renew the program.
“What happened here at the end of April should never have happened because one of five families in our district alone, 21%, need the ACP, have been using it. You know, I met two veterans recently last week, and they came to me. We talked about how important the service was, so they connected with the VA (Veterans Affairs) for their healthcare.”
The ACP is limited to one monthly service discount and only provides help to eligible households.
“You know, the internet service is a lifeline,” Sorensen told WJBC’s Scott Miller. “We need to make sure that it’s extended. I have an ACP expansion ACT, so I’m urging Speaker Johnson to bring this to the floor for a vote.
It’s not just a Democratic or Republican thing, it effects a lot of people.”
The program expired at the end of April.
Blake Haas can be reached at [email protected].
