As we have reported, the issue of the digital divide in rural America has been highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The need for quality internet and high speed broadband is essential during these tough times: students learning from home, adults working from home, and the necessity for telehealth with safer-at-home regulations in place.
Sen. Debbie Stabenow is looking to assemble a COVID task force specifically with rural America in mind. Sen. Stabenow states, “What we have been doing in every COVID package going forward is focusing on things that will help our small towns and rural communities. That means rapid testings to save lives and help, ultimately, reopen the economy...put resources in the budget to deploy high speed internet... focusing on protections for our food industry workers and addressing the supply chain.”
She also is advocating for a “hero’s fund” which would lead to a $13 dollar an hour increase for the individuals working on the front lines during the pandemic.
