830 groups urge Congress to halt electricity, water, broadband shutoffs

More than 830 utility-justice, environmental, faith, civil-rights, and labor groups, including CWA, urged Congress to include a moratorium on electricity, water, and broadband utility shutoffs in the next stimulus package responding to the coronavirus. The letter to Congress also encouraged stimulus funds for distributed solar, percentage-of-income water affordability programs, and improved broadband connectivity to address the systemic issues leading to shutoffs.

The coronavirus crisis has triggered unemployment levels unprecedented in modern American history, disproportionately hurting low-wealth households, communities of color, and Native American communities. These families are facing disconnection for utility services essential for survival in this crisis.

“Right now, an affordable broadband connection can mean the difference between being employed or unemployed, healthy or sick, connected with the outside world or trapped in isolation,” said Dana Floberg, policy manager at Free Press Action. “As the pandemic forces people out of work, millions more people, especially low-income families and communities of color, will find themselves unable to pay for broadband. No one should lose access to lifesaving and necessary communications tools during this crisis. Congress must act swiftly. We must end the shutoffs that leave vulnerable families digitally stranded and fund the emergency broadband connectivity programs to get and keep impacted communities online.”

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In next coronavirus rescue bill, 830 groups urge Congress to halt electricity, water, broadband shutoffs (Center for Biological Diversity, Apr. 13, 2020)