WASHINGTON — This morning, the Senate passed a historic infrastructure bill, the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act, which includes critical provisions to ensure that today’s students in college have access to broadband internet. Higher Learning Advocates’ Executive Director Julie Peller made the following statement regarding the legislation’s passage:

“Higher Learning Advocates commends the Senate for the passage of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act, and for ensuring that college students have access to affordable and reliable broadband internet. The legislation includes $14 billion to further expand broadband access to low-income households, including students who receive a Pell Grant, via the Affordable Connectivity Program, which provides financial assistance for eligible households in the form of a $30 per month subsidy. 

In addition, we are excited to see that the legislation would also facilitate data matching among several federal agencies to reduce barriers for students when signing up for broadband benefits under the Affordable Connectivity Program. Passage of the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act would provide much-needed continued support for low-income college students as many continue to learn at home. We hope the House of Representatives ensures quick passage of this bipartisan legislation so today’s students are able to succeed this fall and beyond.”