On Monday, June 26, 2023, the Department of Commerce announced funding for each state, territory, and the District of Columbia for high-speed internet infrastructure deployment through the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program—a $42.45 billion grant program. Each state will receive some funds with a minimum of $107 million. Nineteen states, including Missouri, will receive over $1 billion. The goal is to connect every resident and small business to reliable, affordable high-speed internet by 2030.
This is a bipartisan bill. Biden is calling this his Investment in America. By putting money into the states, he is creating jobs. He promises this fast internet by the year 2030.
Bill Contains
Consumers can expect money off their internet bills or possibly refunds for purchasing a computer or laptop. This is to help 8.5 million businesses and families.
Contrary Opinion
Not everyone is happy with this expenditure. Representative Massie from Kentucky did the math. He figured it amounted to $4,941 per family, to be taken from those families and other families in taxes.
He said Starlink could do it for $599 per family, and you don’t have to wait seven years!
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Social media has pros and cons of the issue. One question is, why does the government take so long? Others think the math may be wrong, and the government is following through with a promise. You can read the statement from the White House here.
