Res 0156-2024

Whereas, Broadband, sometimes referred to as high-speed internet, is no longer a luxury that families can live without; and Whereas, An internet connection is necessary for completing many basic tasks such as scheduling appointments and searching for jobs; and Whereas, As COVID has shown us, the internet is necessary for many children to do their schoolwork; and Whereas, The internet is necessary to access many government services such as unemployment compensation; and Whereas, Broadband provides access to telehealth services, which can deliver health services to those who would otherwise lack access to medical services; and Whereas, A high-speed internet connection can improve people's health by allowing them to better manage their symptoms and conditions from home, and without having to visit a doctor; and Whereas, Having an internet connection allows people living alone to keep in contact with friends and family; and Whereas, Increased access to broadband has been shown to increase civic engagement and increases the likelihood of voting; and Whereas, A broadband connection is necessary to access the internet without extensive delays and disruptions; and Whereas, In 2021, the average price for broadband in New York was $47 a month or $563 a year; and Whereas, Low-income families cannot always afford the cost of broadband internet; and Whereas, Families with household incomes under $20,000 are the least likely to have broadband access; and Whereas, Families should not have to choose between paying for food or rent and paying for internet service; now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls on the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to Sign, S.5525/A.10690, requiring broadband providers to offer low-cost high-speed broadband to low-income New Yorkers. Session 13 LS #10778 01/17/2024 Session 12 LS #10778 10/06/22 EHC