American Rescue Plan: Broadband and the Social Safety Net

On March 11, President Joe Biden signed the American Rescue Plan, the latest effort to address the continued impact of COVID-19 on the economy, public health, state and local governments, individuals, and businesses. The new law has been touted as a vast expansion of the country’s social safety net. By some estimates, the statute will slash poverty by a third this year and potentially cut child poverty in half, with expansions of tax credits, food aid, and rental and mortgage assistance. Also in this action, Congress recognizes broadband's essential role in modern life.