It's not just summer that’s winding down: If we don’t act soon, funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) could run out too. High-speed internet access is as necessary as electricity or water, especially for kids returning to school or communities seeking disaster relief, both of which are on our minds these days.

The subsidies this program provides have connected more than 20 million households, but we know more can be done: No one should ever have to choose between buying groceries and paying for internet access. That’s why we’re urging Congress to appropriate additional funding for the ACP. Will you add your name to our urgent petition today?

Thanks for joining your voice with ours,

All of us at Free Press Action

Friend,

I remember when my school-supply list was color-coded notebooks (blue for math and purple for social studies), glue sticks and erasers that looked cool but barely worked. Back then, families didn’t have to worry about paying for tablets and getting online for class. Whether students are participating in remote learning or not, today’s schoolwork often requires high-speed internet that not every household can access.

That’s where the Affordable Connectivity Program comes in: The ACP subsidizes internet access for low-income households, and since it launched in 2022, more than 20 million households have benefited. But this life-changing program will run out of money soon if Congress doesn’t provide additional funding.

This time of year is also when Congress’ threats to shut down the federal government loom, putting education and livelihoods on the line. Please join us in ensuring that Congress doesn’t lose sight of the students and families who are counting on them: Will you add your name to our petition asking Congress to invest in the ACP right away?

Of course, the excitement of a new school year doesn’t distract us from the hardships these past few weeks have also held. Our hearts are with all of the people throughout the nation who are facing the effects of devastating climate disasters. As these communities work to reunite and rebuild, we are mindful of the critical importance of internet access before, during and after catastrophic events like these.

Without high-speed internet access, families may not be able to receive emergency alerts or access government programs designed to help them pick up the pieces afterward.

That’s why we’re reaching out today: Will you urge Congress to keep millions of households connected to lifesaving services and disaster relief? Tell lawmakers to keep funding the Affordable Connectivity Program.

Thank you for your advocacy,

Heather and the rest of the Free Press Action team
freepress.net