States Keep Working Towards Digital Equity

Despite the federal government shutdown, states across the country are making strides on their own broadband and digital equity initiatives. Four states in particular caught our eye this week. Many of these initiatives were designed to work in tandem with federal investments, especially those created by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, or to fill gaps created by the sunsetting of crucial programs, like the ACP. These state programs are geared towards providing affordable broadband, supporting community anchor institutions, and preparing the workforce for federal infrastructure funding—smart investments to work with broadband deployment funding to close the digital divide.