Civil and Human Rights Coalition Commends FCC for Moving Forward with Lifeline Modernization

WASHINGTON- Wade Henderson, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, issued the following statement in advance of the Federal Communication Commission’s Thursday meeting, where it will vote on Chairman Tom Wheeler’s proposal to modernize the Lifeline program to include broadband:

“We applaud the FCC and Chairman Wheeler for taking this step forward in ensuring that all Americans can access the modern communications services they need to thrive in today’s economy.

The Internet can play a crucial role in moving people out of poverty, helping them to access job opportunities, health care, social services, and education. And yet, there are far too many disparities in Internet adoption, particularly among low-income communities and communities of color. By modernizing the Lifeline program, the FCC can bridge this digital divide, and help millions of low-income Americans afford the broadband service they need to succeed in our digital age.

Last week, along with more than 60 civil rights, media, public interest, and labor groups, we sent Chairman Wheeler a set of principles to guide the FCC as it updates the Lifeline program. As the Commission moves forward with Lifeline modernization this week, we urge it to keep these principles in mind.”

Wade Henderson is president and CEO 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.