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| Hi there, On Wednesday, Free Press Action and our allies gathered outside the FCC headquarters in Washington, D.C., to speak out against the agency’s brutal plan to rollback Lifeline — a program that helps millions of people living below the poverty line access telephone and internet services. Community members, advocates and Lifeline subscribers gathered to share stories about why the Lifeline program is essential for low-income families, survivors of domestic violence, Puerto Ricans attempting to recover from Hurricane Maria and so many others. Donate $5 (or whatever you can) today to help us save Lifeline from Trump’s FCC. 
Two former FCC commissioners also joined us at the event: Michael Copps described how the agency’s proposed changes to the Lifeline program would mean that 70 percent of subscribers could lose access. Gloria Tristani talked about how more than 300,000 households in Puerto Rico that benefit from Lifeline could have their services disrupted. And for Puerto Ricans still struggling to recover from the devastation of Hurricane Maria, saving the Lifeline program is a life-and-death issue. Leonard Edwards, who works with Bread for the City, shared his story about relying on Lifeline after becoming ill: “I don’t know what I would have done without this vital service... Without Lifeline keeping me in touch with my doctors, social workers and neighbors, it would have been like being stuck on an island without any way to get in touch with anyone.” Ian Harris, an attorney with the National Network to End Domestic Violence, explained that he always asks his clients if they have a working phone because accessing communications services is often a literal lifeline for survivors. 
The FCC will likely vote on their plan to rollback Lifeline before the end of the year. With millions of people’s health and safety on the line, we need to keep up the pressure. Help save this program with a gift of $5 (or whatever you can) today. Thanks for all you do— Lucia, Brandon, Carrie and the rest of the Free Press Action team, P.S. Wednesday, activists gathered outside the FCC for a speakout to #SaveLifeline, a program that helps people living below the poverty line stay connected to phone and internet. Check out the Facebook livestream video of this event to learn more about Lifeline and our plan to save it from the Trump FCC. 
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Free Press Action Fund is a nonpartisan organization fighting for your rights to connect and communicate. Free Press Action Fund does not support or oppose any candidate for public office. Learn more at freepress.net. |