2021 -- H 5925

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LC001450

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2021

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H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

RESPECTFULLY REQUESTING THAT THE RHODE ISLAND CONGRESSIONAL

DELEGATION OBTAIN HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT (HUD) FUNDING TO

PROVIDE FREE HIGH SPEED INTERNET ACCESS IN OUR PUBLIC HOUSING

AUTHORITIES BY 2024

     Introduced By: Representative Barbara Ann Fenton-Fung

     Date Introduced: February 24, 2021

     Referred To: House Innovation, Internet, & Technology

     WHEREAS, In the 21st century, broadband Internet is a vitally important tool for

meeting telemedicine, smart city and the social and emotional needs of isolated seniors and those

with disabilities; and

     WHEREAS, Only fifty-six percent of adults earning less than $30,000 per year have

access to broadband Internet at home, compared to 94 percent for upper-income families, and

only eighteen percent of low-income adults have a device, computer, phone or tablet that can

access the Internet; and,

     WHEREAS, Our public housing authorities have many individuals who, lacking access

to the Internet, currently have limited ability to interact with medical professionals, family and

friends, and to stay connected to their community and important social institutions such as

libraries and houses of worship; and

     WHEREAS, Many residents of public housing are living on fixed incomes or are low-

wage earners. They struggle daily to provide themselves and their loved ones with the basic

necessities of life, and do not have the resources to access high speed Internet; and

     WHEREAS, This lack of connectivity to the wider community leads to isolation and can

exacerbate depression, poorer health, and a reduced quality of life; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby

respectfully requests that the Rhode Island Congressional delegation obtain Housing and Urban

Development (HUD) funding to provide high speed Internet access in our public housing

authorities by 2024; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the Honorable Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon

Whitehouse, and the Honorable Congressmen David Cicilline and James Langevin.

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