Last month we noted how a program aimed at helping low income Americans afford broadband was at risk of being dismantled thanks to congressional incompetence and corruption. The FCC program, dubbed…

Republicans Trying To Kill Program That Brings Affordable Broadband To The Poor::Last month we noted how a program aimed at helping low income Americans afford broadband was at risk of being dismantled thanks to congressional incompetence and corruption. The FCC program, dubbed the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), was part of the 2021 infrastructure bill. It provides low-income Americans $30 off their monthly broadband bill. 22 million…

  • RadialMonster@lemmy.worldEnglish
    14·
    8 months ago

    “As lawmakers with oversight responsibility over the ACP, we have raised concerns, shared by the FCC Inspector General, regarding the program’s effectiveness in connecting non-subscribers to the Internet,” the lawmakers wrote. “While you have repeatedly claimed that the ACP is necessary for connecting participating households to the Internet, it appears the vast majority of tax dollars have gone to households that already had broadband prior to the subsidy.

    I can’t wait to use this argument against them about school vouchers

    • bassomitron@lemmy.worldEnglish
      31·
      8 months ago

      I actually know tons of coworkers that have consistently told me to sign up for this program. I know for a fact they are not in the poverty band. They also had broadband before they applied. I never even attempted to apply, because it seems like a shitty thing to do as it does give these assholes ammunition to axe a program that really is helping legitimate poor folks out.

      Regardless, ~$600 million is fucking pennies to the federal government, it’s beyond insane for them to be so concerned about such a miniscule amount of the annual budget. Just tighten the credit check process on applying and the problem of people who aren’t in poverty getting free money goes away. The GOP just wants to make poor people/women/anyone different than them suffer, fuck their nonsense.

      As for school vouchers… I need to get to sleep and that rant will get my blood pressure too elevated.

    • TrickDacy@lemmy.worldEnglish
      2·
      8 months ago

      “they were already buying food so they obviously don’t need food stamps. Takers!”

      Any bailout of a corporation is fine though