High-speed internet has become as essential as electricity and running water in modern life. It’s a lifeline for education, healthcare, employment, and staying connected.
The infrastructure law passed by members of both parties that has expanded internet access to rural areas and those who can’t afford it has also delivered billions to repair Texas roads and bridges.
But a critical program that helps 1.7 million Texas households afford high-speed internet access expired yesterday.
The Affordable Connectivity Program has helped 90,000 households in Texas’ 15th Congressional District gain access to high-speed internet, saving them $30 to $75 a month.
This program, designed to make high-speed internet accessible to all Americans, has been a lifeline for many families struggling to afford connectivity. It makes telehealth appointments with doctors and nurses available for rural families and busy parents who can’t miss work to see a doctor. It allows students to learn and take classes from home.
And it helps small business owners, like me, track our expenses, market our services, and engage with customers.
Sadly, like so much in Congress these days, this vital program is about to expire because Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz has joined her party in refusing to fight to make life more affordable for working people.
In addition to opposing the original bipartisan infrastructure law that helped fund the affordable internet program–and billions to repair our roads, bridges, and flood prevention– Rep. Monica De La Cruz is a part of the influential Republican Study Committee, the Republican Caucus’ policy arm, whose budget has called for this critical program to end. Our own representative, Monica De La Cruz, is to blame for the hold-up in renewing this crucial funding.
If she successfully continues to delay this funding – nearly one in three households in our district risk losing their monthly internet subsidy. This will leave many South Texans cut off from vital internet access. Potentially leaving them digitally isolated and unable to work, seek an education, or access healthcare.
Congress must act to extend and fully fund the Affordable Connectivity Program. It represents a historic opportunity to expand opportunities for South Texas children and aspiring small business owners to chase their dreams in the digital age, and to ensure that our elderly and most vulnerable can receive the care they need.
As we look toward the election this November, voters will remember that Monica De La Cruz has made life harder and more unaffordable for our families.
Editor's Note: The above guest column was penned by Michelle Vallejo, a Rio Grande Valley small business owner and Democratic Party nominee for the general election in Texas Congressional District 15.
