Statement on California's Commitment to Broadband Equity for 2022 Digital Inclusion Week

Common Sense Media
Thursday, October 6, 2022

SAN FRANCISCO, October 6, 2022— The end of the 2022 legislative session earns California two years in a row of successful broadband policy, making universal broadband access and affordability a real, near-term possibility for California. The 2022 legislative session built on last year's historic $6 billion budget package, with an Assembly package of bills that the CA Alliance for Digital Equity (CADE) was engaged in from the start.

We're celebrating this first week of October given all California bills have been acted on for this legislative session and it is Digital Inclusion Week. Perfect timing to look back on a successful 2022 and plan for 2023.

In February, the Assembly's digital equity package was introduced, addressing a range of digital equity issues: improved competition among internet service providers (ISPs), affordability standards, a plan to use federal Digital Equity Act funds, and more.

In May, CADE's founding members, Common Sense, California Community Foundation, NextGen California, Michelson 20MM Foundation, Media Alliance, and the Rural County Representatives of CA, held the inaugural CADE convening. We collectively mobilized 40+ statewide organizations, across various industries, to support digital equity legislation.

And now with September behind us, we can successfully say Governor Newsom signed two key broadband bills into law and the CA Assembly adopted a digital equity resolution - all important steps closer to achieving our broadband equity and affordability goals.

These achievements are only part of a more comprehensive package of bills that unfortunately did not make it to the Governor's desk. CADE will continue to promote policies and programs that bridge the digital divide and connect Californians to high-speed internet and encourage digital training to engage in the digital world. California has the momentum and 2023 will be another critical year for policymaking and implementation.

For more information on chaptered bills:

  • AB 2750 (Bonta) Digital Equity Plan - Utilizes federal funding to achieve universal broadband access and digital skills.
  • AB 2752 (Wood) Broadband Mapping - Improves our understanding of which communities are connected to high-speed broadband service at the address level.
  • HR 125 (Reyes) Airwaves for Equity - Establishes a federal Digital Equity Foundation to maintain funding for telehealth, internet access, & other digital equity efforts.

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About CADE Partners

Common Sense Media
Common Sense is the nation's leading nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in the 21st century. Learn more at commonsense.org.

Media Contact
Jason Maymon, Vice President, Communications
[email protected]
(347) 931-1633

California Community Foundation
California Community Foundation has served as a public, charitable organization for Los Angeles County since 1915. Its mission is to lead positive systemic change that strengthens Los Angeles communities. CCF stewards $2.5 billion in assets and manages 1,800 charitable foundations, funds and legacies. Learn more at calfund.org.

Media Contact
Paula Valle Castañon, Director, Marketing & Communications
[email protected]
(213) 452-6233

NextGen California
Nextgen Policy is a California based non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and advocating for progressive policy change to address environmental, social, racial and economic inequities in California through justice-centered legislative advocacy, grassroots partnerships and democratic civic engagement. Learn more at nextgenpolicy.org

Media Contact
Milena Paez, Director of Communications
[email protected]

Michelson 20MM Foundation and Center for Public Policy
Based in Los Angeles, the Michelson 20MM Foundation is a private, nonprofit foundation seeking to accelerate progress towards a more just world through grantmaking, operating programs, and impact investing.

The Michelson Center for Public Policy is a 501(c)(4) social welfare organization that propels legislative change through meaningful collaboration with elected officials, government agencies, and civic leaders to achieve positive outcomes in education, equity, medical research, and animal welfare.

Media Contact
Justin Chapman, Digital Content Writer & Editor
[email protected]

Rural County Representatives of California
RCRC is a thirty-nine member county strong service organization that champions policies on behalf of California's rural counties. RCRC provides the rural county perspective on a myriad of issues during the legislative and regulatory process, including land use, broadband, water and natural resources, housing, transportation, wildfire protection policies, and health and human services.

Media Contact
Carolyn Jhajj, Communications Director
[email protected]