BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – A program to help Vermonters pay for internet access could be on the chopping block.
Senator Peter Welch spoke on the Senate floor yesterday, asking his republican colleagues to join him in supporting the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). The program has already helped over 23 million people access affordable high-speed internet through internet discounts.
Welch also pushed for the ACP Extension Act which focuses on connecting those most in need, including seniors, veterans, students, and tribal communities. The Extension Act would provide $7 billion to the ACP.
“The dangerous news is that the Affordable Connectivity Program—that is that lifeline for our veterans, for our seniors, for our low-income folks—is going to expire in a matter of weeks. And we have the opportunity, and I believe the responsibility, to extend the Affordable Connectivity Program so that people will be able to maintain access,” said Welch.
Almost 26,000 households in Vermont take advantage of the ACP program to help pay for monthly internet service, and 77% of people using this program say if they lose the help, their internet service will be disrupted or lost altogether.