PENNSYLVANIA — Because of insufficient internet access and unstable connections, thousands of students across the commonwealth have missed out on critical virtual learning. Young people across the state have not been able to complete tests, upload assignments or virtually interact with teachers and classmates. But Pennsylvania students and teachers who struggle to access the internet at home will get relief from President Biden’s sweeping Infrastructure Law, which allots for more than $65 billion to improve access to broadband.
Under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, 2,917,000 Pennsylvanians will be eligible for the Affordability Connectivity Benefit, which will help low-income families afford internet access. Fourteen billion dollars will be allocated to help low-income households connect to broadband, even if they live in connected areas but remain offline because their families can’t cover the cost of internet service.
“President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law offers a once-in-a-lifetime fix to Pennsylvania’s digital divide,” said PA Dems Spokesperson Rosie Lapowsky. “This law will make a tremendous difference for under-connected students—in their online learning experiences and in their education at large. The impact of President Biden’s initiative reaches well beyond internet access, and it will enhance the education of everyone from grade school children to college students across the commonwealth. We are so grateful to President Biden for bringing affordable, reliable, high-speed broadband to every Pennsylvanian in every county. “
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