The still ongoing pandemic is making things hard for the nation's families, particularly those without good internet access, and that's bad for the economy, U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina M. Raimondo said during a recent meeting of governors.
Families that lack broadband service create "gaps in opportunity," Raimondo said during her comments at last month's meeting of the nation's governors. Those gaps translate into fewer opportunities for learning, working from home, remotely visiting doctors and staying connected with family and friends, she said.
"Our economy cannot fully recover unless all Americans can fully participate," Raimondo said. This is why President Biden set an ambitious goal when he entered office: connecting every American through affordable, reliable, high-speed broadband."
Raimondo's comments came during her address on the second day of the National Governors Association's 114th annual Winter Meeting in Washington Friday, Jan. 28. The meeting ran through Jan. 31. Governors attending the meeting discussed best practices and bipartisan collaboration on policy issues that include infrastructure, computer science education and cybersecurity. Cabinet secretaries and leaders from business, academia and philanthropy communities also participated at the meeting.
Raimondo highlighted unequal access to the internet across the nation, with some families unable to internet access and other who might be able to afford it if something other than slow or spotty access was available in their area.
Raimondo referred to the more than $42 billion in grants to states and territories in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The grants are focused on funding high-speed broadband deployment to households and businesses that currently lack access to these services. The Commerce Department’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration is administering the funding.
Secretary Raimondo urged the governors and other officials attending the meeting to think hard about their broadband programs and how to leverage expertise and grants.
"I'm excited about the opportunity ahead of us," Raimondo said near the end of her comments. "If we work hard and work together, we will close the digital divide for good and strengthen our communities to ensure America’s competitiveness in the 21st century."
