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A bipartisan piece of federal legislation introduced by Congressman Roger Williams will hopefully pave the way for all city and county residents to have access to high-speed internet in the future.
Recently, Congressman Williams met in Copperas Cove with local city and county leaders to talk about the Eliminate the Digital Divide Act.
The bill would create a $10 billion state broadband program that would allow governors to direct federal dollars to unserved and low-income areas so they can carry out individual broadband networks and receive low-cost broadband services.
When COVID-19 began sweeping across our nation in March, I knew Congress must take deliberate action to keep our economy afloat and our communities protected. As a small business owner, it was clear that nearly every industry would require relief as they adapted to new government mandates and forced closures.
When COVID-19 began sweeping across our nation in March, I knew Congress must take deliberate action to keep our economy afloat and our communities protected. As a small business owner, it was clear that nearly every industry would require relief as they adapted to new government mandates and forced closures.
City, county, and school officials throughout central Texas agree that improved access to high-speed broadband internet is critical to education, economic growth and overall quality of life, and rural areas are particularly vulnerable to a lack of adequate service.
It's crucial for the growth of our nation that we ensure each student has access to high-quality broadband. That's why I introduced the Eliminate the Digital Divide Act in order to empower states like Texas to utilize broadband networks that best fit the needs of our rural communities.
Yesterday, I was joined by school officials, mayors and county judges from Coryell, Bell and Lampasas Counties highlighting the urgency of providing greater access to reliable internet for Texans in our communities.
More than two million Texas residents didn't have access to reliable internet before the pandemic, according to the Texas comptroller, while a staggering 18 million Americans nationwide had no access at all, per a 2020 Federal Communications Commission (FCC) report. Now in the midst of a once-in-a-generation public health crisis, the need for broadband access to resources and health care delivery has never been more paramount.
The arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic reinforced what we already knew: Texas communities were underserved and in desperate need of high-speed internet access. As the demand for online learning has become the new norm, offices have implemented remote work policies, and medical professionals now conduct a larger amount of appointments via teleservices, continuing to leave educational and professional services in the 20th Century is not an option.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Roger Williams (R-TX-25) today introduced the Eliminate the Digital Divide Act to empower states to carry out their own broadband programs and ensure low-income individuals have access to low-cost broadband services.
It's a privilege to meet with business owners, local officials, law enforcement and entrepreneurs across our TX-25 counties. As we continue forging ahead in recovery from COVID-19, I'm heartened by the response we see in our communities to help neighbors and adjust operations in order to best meet their needs. I'll continue fighting on behalf of the 25th District so we can return quickly to our Texan way of life.
Take a look below at this week traveling in TX-25:
TRAVIS COUNTY
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