Fuel the economic recovery by closing the great digital divide

Expanding the ability to work remotely, learn remotely, and conduct health care appointments through telehealth will be key steps in permitting economic activity to expand in the second half of 2020, and beyond. Further, a report by the Benton Institute for Broadband and Society shows that connected students are more likely to check their grades, do research, look up class information, and collaborate with peers than unconnected students. But local responses to the pandemic have raised the stakes on differential access to the internet. The ability of future generations to maximize their full potential and contribute to society – and the economy – depends on addressing issues in connectivity.

As Congress continues to negotiate the terms of the next aid package, it would do well to consider the importance of connectivity. Inaction risks a missed opportunity for strengthening economic resilience now, and for improving our ability to compete and innovate in the future.

[Douglas Holtz Eakin is president of the American Action Forum. He served as the director for the Congressional Budget Office under President Bush.]