File #: Res 0368-2022    Version: * Name: Requiring broadband providers to offer low-cost high-speed broadband to low-income New Yorkers. (S.5525/A.10690)
Type: Resolution Status: Filed (End of Session)
Committee: Committee on Technology
On agenda: 10/27/2022
Enactment date: Law number:
Title: Resolution calling on the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, S.5525/A.10690, requiring broadband providers to offer low-cost high-speed broadband to low-income New Yorkers.
Sponsors: Julie Menin, Jennifer Gutiérrez, Farah N. Louis, Lincoln Restler, Gale A. Brewer, Alexa Avilés, Rita C. Joseph, Diana I. Ayala, Shaun Abreu, Lynn C. Schulman
Council Member Sponsors: 10
Attachments: 1. Res. No. 368, 2. October 27, 2022 - Stated Meeting Agenda, 3. Hearing Transcript - Stated Meeting 10-27-22, 4. Minutes of the Stated Meeting - October 27, 2022

Res. No. 368

 

Resolution calling on the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, S.5525/A.10690, requiring broadband providers to offer low-cost high-speed broadband to low-income New Yorkers.

 

By Council Members Menin, Gutiérrez, Louis, Restler, Brewer, Avilés, Joseph, Ayala, Abreu and Schulman

 

Whereas, Broadband, sometimes referred to as high-speed internet, is no longer a luxury that families can live without; and

Whereas, An internet connection is necessary for completing many basic tasks such as scheduling appointments and searching for jobs; and

Whereas, As COVID has shown us, the internet is necessary for many children to do their schoolwork; and

Whereas, The internet is necessary to access many government services such as unemployment compensation; and

Whereas, Broadband provides access to telehealth services, which can deliver health services to those who would otherwise lack access to medical services; and

Whereas, A high-speed internet connection can improve people’s health by allowing them to better manage their symptoms and conditions from home, and without having to visit a doctor; and

Whereas, Having an internet connection allows people living alone to keep in contact with friends and family; and

Whereas, Increased access to broadband has been shown to increase civic engagement and increases the likelihood of voting; and

Whereas, A broadband connection is necessary to access the internet without extensive delays and disruptions; and

Whereas, In 2021, the average price for broadband in New York was $47 a month or $563 a year; and

Whereas, Low-income families cannot always afford the cost of broadband internet; and

Whereas, Families with household incomes under $20,000 are the least likely to have broadband access; and

Whereas, Families should not have to choose between paying for food or rent and paying for internet service; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls on the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to Sign, S.5525/A.10690, requiring broadband providers to offer low-cost high-speed broadband to low-income New Yorkers.

 

 

LS #10778

10/06/22

EHC