With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
Newsom’s Budget Cuts Deliver Massive Blow For Efforts To Expand Internet In LA
California's revised budget plan, which was announced Friday, would cut $2 billion in public funds initially earmarked to expand internet access across the state.
(
Photo by Tomohiro Ohsumi/Getty Images
)
In order to balance the state’s budget, California Gov. Gavin Newsom has proposed $2 billion in cuts to broadband projects that would have expanded internet access across the state.
The move outraged digital equity advocates in Los Angeles who say it could jeopardize efforts to reach some of the most vulnerable groups in the area. About 200,000 L.A. County households don’t have internet.
“We are disappointed to see this rollback,” said Cristal Mojica of the Michelson Center for Public Policy. The group is a member of the California Digital Equity Alliance.
The details
The revised budget plan, which was announced Friday, would cut the $1.5 billion that was greenlit for the state’s middle-mile project in January. That’s a new public broadband network the state is building in areas with little to no coverage.
Sponsored message
It would also cut all but $50 million from the state’s credit program called the “Loan Loss Reserve Fund,” which allows groups to secure more favorable borrowing rates and terms. And it would delay funding for broadband infrastructure known as “last-mile” projects until the 2027-28 fiscal year.
The trim was the largest of the one time funding cuts announced by Newsom as the state faces a deficit estimated at $56 billion over the next two fiscal years.
Mojica said advocates are concerned about the state’s ability to build the entire 10,000-mile network meant to expand internet availability to those in rural areas and neighborhoods that struggle to afford access, which includes 500 miles in L.A. County.
WHAT IS THE MIDDLE-MILE NETWORK?
The state is building a new open-access broadband network called the “middle-mile,” which refers to the physical infrastructure that’s needed to connect people to the internet.
- Why does it matter? An estimated 3.5 million Californians are without internet access, according to state officials
- What’s the cost? At least $3.8 billion in public funds. The project is the largest of its kind in the U.S. About 10,000 miles of fiber optic cable is being installed throughout California, including more than 500 miles in Los Angeles County.
- Check out our past stories to learn more:
- April 23, 2024: California Is Spending Billions On ‘Broadband For All,’ But Critics Say It Will Not Lower Internet Prices
- April 24, 2024: Millions Have Been Set Aside To Get More People Online. Private Companies Want To Use It For LA's Wealthy Neighborhoods
- March 11, 2024: Broadband Is Too Costly Or Not Available For Many. So California Is Building Its Own Public Network
“So with this rollback of funds, it's very possible that only 80% of the network will be completed,” she said, adding that it could shut out some of the “highest areas of need.” The state had originally identified 18 target locations, including South Gate, Lynwood, Paramount and Compton in the L.A. area.
How To Submit A Public Comment To The State Legislature
- Email budget feedback to the State Assembly: AsmBudget@asm.ca.gov
- Email budget feedback to the State Senate: SBUD.Committee@senate.ca.gov
- Find your state representatives and reach out to them directly here.
Sponsored message
What’s next
The state Legislature has until June 15 to pass a balanced budget. That gives them a little over a month to try and negotiate a final spending plan.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
