Ed Mullin and Adam Bouhmad
As part of a $3.9 billion allocation of COVID-19 relief funding from the latest federal law, Maryland is committing $300 million toward broadband and digital equity initiatives, state leaders announced on Wednesday.
Nationally, the American Rescue Plan Act that was championed by President Joe Biden includes funding for states. In Maryland, the package is part of an agreement reached between Gov. Larry Hogan, a Republican, and the legislative leaders of the Maryland General Assembly, who are Democrats. In a state where, according to a recent Abell Foundation report, 23% of homes lack wireline home broadband services, the leaders are prioritizing digital connectivity alongside alongside unemployment insurance, schools, transportation and assistance programs for the hardest-hit by the pandemic and economic downturn.
READ FULL ARTICLE HERE
