Dear Neighbor,

As a result of COVID-19 many aspects of work, school, healthcare, and even family time, have moved online. Getting connected to the internet has never been more important than it is today, and this in turn calls for immediate attention to the issue of the digital divide in our state. The internet access inequity that exists today means that not everyone has the high-speed broadband they need to meet the demands of current day-to-day life. Nearly one in five students in California couldn't connect to the internet at the start of the pandemic, and that number becomes even higher in Latino, African American, rural and low-income communities.

Historic neglect of our most vulnerable communities has left too many people behind: that's why I am working on legislation to deploy high-speed internet through future-proof broadband infrastructure that will help close the digital divide for good. My bill, SB 1130, will invest in future-proof broadband for high-need areas that will last for decades to come to help every Californian-whether they are a student doing coursework online, a grandparent in need of tele-health services or an employee working from home-have access to the high speed internet they need.

In addition to state-wide legislation, my office has also created a list of resources that offer free or low-cost devices and internet services to help you get connected. Click here for more information.

If you have any questions on how to acquire devices or internet services, please contact my office at (562) 256-7921.
 

All the best,

Lena Gonzalez

33^rd Senate District