Davids Celebrates Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Funding to Help Close Kansas Digital Divide

Today, Representative Sharice Davids announced the United States Department of Commerce has awarded $692,664 to the Kansas Department of Commerce to help close the digital equity gap in Kansas. Delivered through the bipartisan infrastructure law, which Davids was the only member of the Kansas delegation to support, this federal funding will help ensure all Kansans have the capacity to thrive in our digital economy.

"We use our internet connection to work, learn, keep in touch with family, grow a business, get health care, and more. While access to high-speed internet is a gateway to opportunity, across the state of Kansas, that opportunity is not distributed equally," said Davids. "This new bipartisan infrastructure law funding will make serious strides towards closing the digital divide. I'm proud to have voted to bring this federal investment home and to invest in our future."

"Digital equity underpins all the work we do at the Kansas Office of Broadband Development to ensure every Kansan can take full advantage of the benefits of ubiquitous broadband," said Jade Piros de Carvalho, Director of Broadband Development, Kansas Department of Commerce. "We are thrilled to receive these funds and begin our work on the five-year statewide plan"

The award announced today will support the development of a Statewide Digital Equity Plan, which will include staff recruitment, stakeholder outreach and engagement, technology support, marketing materials, and report development and distribution. In particular, the plan's proposals will benefit Kansans who have not had access to broadband in the past, including underserved and rural communities.

Davids voted to pass the bipartisan infrastructure law, which appropriates at least $100 million to help boost high-speed internet coverage across Kansas. Additionally, about 78,000 households in Kansas are enrolled in the Affordable Connectivity Program, a bipartisan infrastructure law initiative that cuts internet bills by up to $30 per month. Davids, who serves as the Vice Chair of the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, met with the President and senior White House officials multipletimes to help get this legislation across the finish line.

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration created three digital equity programs that promote digital equity and inclusion. They aim to ensure all people and communities have the skills, technology, and capacity needed to reap the full benefits of our digital economy. The funding announced today stems from the State Digital Equity Planning Grant Program, a $60 million grant program for states and territories to develop digital equity plans.