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 during our fall member drive.
California Gets $70 Million From Federal Government To Get More Residents Online
A Broadband for All workshop in May
(
California Department of Technology
)
Topline:
California has won $70.2 million in federal grant money to achieve “digital equity.” That’s when all members of a community have equal access to the internet and other digital tools and skills. A draft version of the state’s Digital Equity Plan was released for public input in December. It identified barriers for eight groups including low-income residents and older adults.
Why it matters: An estimated 3.5 million residents don’t have internet access. The grant money will help connect more people and provide digital literacy skills training and apprenticeship opportunities.
Why now: Local agencies, nonprofits and other groups will get the chance to apply for grants later this year. Winners will be announced in 2025.
Support for LAist comes from
The backstory: Digital equity is a central part of Broadband for All, a multibillion dollar state and federal investment to expand broadband services by 2026.
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.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
Kevin Lacy has an obsession with documenting California’s forgotten and decaying places. -
Restaurants share resources in the food hall in West Adams as Los Angeles reckons with increasing restaurant closures. -
It will be the second national day of protest against President Donald Trump. -
The university says the compact, as the Trump administration called it, could undermine free inquiry and academic excellence. -
This is the one time you can do this legally! -
Metro officials said it will be able to announce an opening date “soon.”
Best of LAist