Title
Approve changes to the Board's Legislative Program to authorize Monterey County's support of state and federal legislative advocacy efforts aimed at addressing the digital divide in response to Board Referral No. 2020.25 by Supervisor Alejo and Supervisor Lopez.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors approve changes to the Board's Legislative Program to authorize Monterey County's support of state and federal legislative advocacy efforts aimed at addressing the digital divide in response to Board Referral No. 2020.25 by Supervisor Alejo and Supervisor Lopez.
SUMMARY
On September 15, 2020, Supervisor Alejo and Supervisor Lopez submitted Board Referral No. 2020.25 "To support collaborative efforts to address the digital divide in partnership with local school districts, cities, the County of Monterey, and community partners to address the digital divide for our local students and all other county residents, and to advocate for solutions at the state and federal level."
This report addresses the last portion of the referral "advocate for solutions at the state and federal level" by approving changes to the Board's Legislative Program and authorizing advocacy efforts at the state and federal level aimed at addressing the digital divide in Monterey County and throughout the state and nation.
DISCUSSION
The pandemic has underscored the critical utility of broadband infrastructure. From the homework gap and workforce adaptations, to essential healthcare services and e-commerce - broadband is now the keystone to our nation's response to the global pandemic and imperative to building resilient and future-ready communities. The lack of reliable broadband is a major economic barrier and a leading driver of socioeconomic inequality.
A lack of internet access disproportionately effects some County residents because internet access is not available in their area or is unaffordable. Expansion of broadband services would benefit economic...
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