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CHA has joined a cross-sector coalition of education, health, local government, and economic policy organizations that is urging Gov. Gavin Newsom to connect Californians with a one-time, $8 billion investment in high speed 100 Mbps broadband infrastructure and programs. The group issued a press release on Tuesday, reinforcing the need for this investment in broadband infrastructure and support services, which is critical to improving health, equity, education, and the economy statewide now and for years to come.
The funding request complements, rather than competes with, several important bills currently pending in the Legislature. Assembly Bill (AB) 14 and Senate Bill 4 would make important reforms to the California Public Utility Commission’s broadband infrastructure subsidy program and authorize a $1 billion revenue bond. Additionally, AB 34 would place a broadband bond on the November 2022 ballot.
In addition to CHA, coalition members include the California Association of School Business Officials, the California Forward Action Fund, California School Boards Association, California State Association of Counties, Rural County Representatives of California, Small School Districts’ Association, and the Urban Counties of California.