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Rep. Susan Brooks (R-IN) and Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE) called for bridging the digital divide to help stimulate employment and workplace equity. They both pushed for congressional passage of infrastructure packages that would increase broadband access to rural and urban areas across the country. Data maps inaccurately portray parts of the U.S. as having broadband access, making it difficult for lawmakers to know which areas need more attention, said Rep Brooks. Rep Blunt Rochester noted there is bipartisan support for infrastructure legislation that would eliminate disparities.

The reality of the ongoing COVID pandemic means that many of us must continue to work virtually, enter classrooms remotely, and engage with the world through broadband internet service. From a recent Consumer Reports American Experiences Survey, we know that four-fifths of Americans now believe that access to broadband is as vital as electricity and running water.

Over the past few weeks, millions of kids couldn’t begin learning at all because they do not have access to affordable, high-speed internet. In Colorado, 65,000 students don’t have access to the internet at home.