Trump Administration Terminates Digital Equity Program

In mid-May, the Trump Administration, through U.S. Department of Commerce National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), terminated the Digital Equity Capacity Program. In Illinois, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) was in the process of implementing a Digital Equity Capacity Grant under this Program. This grant would have provided more than $23.7 million to Illinois organizations across the state to equip households and residents with the skills, resources, and tools needed to use high-speed internet and fully participate in Illinois' economy. DCEO and its partners from across the state have been preparing to implement this program since the passage of the Digital Equity Act in 2021. This includes the development of the Illinois State Digital Equity Plan (SDEP), which was informed by the input of over 1,250 Illinoisans at more than 50 sessions across a statewide listening tour, and includes goals and initiatives to close the digital divide in Illinois. Based on findings from an Illinois-wide internet use phone survey, at least 1.3 million residents across approximately 540,000 households have low digital literacy skills, meaning they do not feel confident using the internet to complete at least one of the basic tasks included in the survey, such as creating a resume. There is a demonstrated need for this program throughout Illinois as proven by responses and testimonials heard during the listening tour, from internet and phone surveys, and through local and regional partners, many of which can be found in the SDEP.