Sacramento, Calif.- California Senator Lena A. Gonzalez (D- Long Beach) introduced Senate Bill 1130 that aims to close the digital divide for Californians in poor urban and rural areas in order to keep families, students, and workers connected. The digital divide has long been an issue but the current COVID-19 crisis has shed light on the digital disparities in the state’s poorest areas despite California being in the cradle of the national tech economy. This legislation will require the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to update the California Advanced Service Fund (CASF) program to encourage deployment of 21^st century-ready high-speed broadband internet.

“Given the COVID-19 pandemic, now more than ever we need to ensure that all our communities, including areas with high poverty rates, have access to fast and reliable internet. With social distancing measures and schools educating children through digital platforms, closing the digital divide is not only about reliability but about equity and access for all,” said Senator Gonzalez. “SB 1130 will help address these inequities.”

"Now more than ever we need to connect all students and families and close the digital divide for good. This bill would ensure that we provide a critical digital safety net for all Californians, something all Americans deserve. Common Sense commends Senator Gonzalez and is proud to co-sponsor this bill which is a critical step to connecting all families and ensuring digital equity," said James Steyer, Founder and CEO of Common Sense Media.

Currently, the CASF has over $300 million available. However, this money is not accessed by the Californians that need it the most or even accessed at all. SB 1130 will simplify the process and protocols to make it easier for local governments and internet service providers to access CASF program funds. These changes will help provide high-speed internet to all Californians.

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