Civil and Human Rights Coalition Applauds Bill to Modernize Lifeline Program

WASHINGTON – Nancy Zirkin, executive vice president and director of policy of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, issued the following statement after the bicameral introduction of the Broadband Adoption Act, which would incorporate broadband within the Lifeline program:

“For Americans trying to move out of poverty and succeed in our modern economy, broadband access is absolutely crucial. This bill will help put modern communication services within reach for some of our nation’s most vulnerable communities, helping low-income households afford the broadband access they need to thrive in today’s information age. 

High-speed Internet today is vital to accessing job opportunities, health care, social services, and education. But for millions of low-income and minority Americans—the people who are in most need of the advantages of broadband—such service is simply out of reach. By helping reduce the high cost of broadband services, this bill will help narrow the digital divide and move our nation toward an inclusive economic recovery.

We thank Representative Matsui and Senators Murphy and Booker for introducing this important legislation, and urge their colleagues to support its passage.”

Nancy Zirkin is executive vice president and director of policy of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, a coalition charged by its diverse membership of more than 200 national organizations to promote and protect the rights of all persons in the United States. The Leadership Conference works toward an America as good as its ideals. For more information on The Leadership Conference, visit www.civilrights.org.