CWA Local President Defends the Affordable Connectivity Program

The Biden Administration’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) has helped millions of low-income families afford internet access, which is critical for everything from healthcare services to paying bills and completing schoolwork. 

Congress has not extended funding for the program, so it is no longer taking new applications and is set to expire in April. Job-creating broadband infrastructure projects could be curtailed if fewer customers are able to afford service through the ACP. Fighting to defend the ACP, Rep. Nikki Budzinski (D-Ill.) hosted a roundtable discussion in East St. Louis last week with members of the business community, local educators, and state leaders. CWA Local 4217 President Travis Young represented CWA members and spoke passionately about the need to extend the ACP.

“We discussed the need for student and family access. Most families living in this area can’t afford to add internet to their budget; they’re living paycheck to paycheck. We saw during the pandemic that the internet is a critical utility and should be available to everyone. CWA plays a role in distributing internet services, but we live here too, and we need the ACP as much as anyone else.”