Broadband Task Force

Identifying major obstacles limiting access to high-speed internet, developing state and local solutions, and advocating for a strong federal-state-local partnership.

Amid the many changes brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, the shift to virtual schooling, remote work, and telemedicine made it clear: equitable access to the Internet is essential. Equity is a cornerstone of the Task Force’s work, recognizing the disturbingly high lack of internet access among certain communities, including for people of color. A recent study by the Alliance for Excellent Education found 1 in 3 Black, Latino, and American Indian/Alaska Native students do not have high-speed home internet access.

Chaired by Michigan Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist, North Carolina Senator Jay Chaudhuri and Fulton County (GA) Commissioner Dana Barrett, the group brings together state and local officials with policy experts and partners from the non-profit and private sectors. The Task Force convenes regularly for in-depth conversations on closing the digital divide and to highlight effective efforts in communities across the country. Read an op-ed in StateScoop from former co-chairs San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo and Florida Senator Loranne Ausley for details on why this work is so important, and how the group helps. Check out other press hits from the group’s launch for more on how the task force will help drive solutions to close the digital divide highlighted by the pandemic and the shift to remote work and school, including articles from Route Fifty, StateScoop, and Communications Daily.

In 2021, the Task Force submitted a letter to the United States Treasury, offering feedback on the Interim Final Rule governing the use of American Rescue Plan recovery funds. Read the letter, signed by the group’s three co-chairs, for details on how the rule could be improved to allow for more investment in the high-speed Internet access that so many still lack.

In 2022, the Task Force published “Bridging the Digital Divide: Policy Proposals to Increase Broadband Access for All”, a report on five aspects of the problem of connectivity, as well as numerous state and local solutions that are already working across the nation. Read the report now for recommendations on how to improve mapping and data collection, build new broadband networks, innovate to address affordability and adoption, promote digital skills, and increase access through telehealth.

Group Co-Chairs

  • Garlin Gilchrist II

    Lieutenant Governor, Michigan

  • Dana Barrett

    Commissioner, Fulton County, GA

  • Jay Chaudhuri

    Senator, Raleigh, NC

Explore Policy Ideas

Former Group Co-Chairs

  • Sam Liccardo

    Former Mayor, San Jose, CA

  • Loranne Ausley

    Former Senator, Tallahassee, FL

Latest Broadband News

In the News
Congress must act to keep internet access program alive; here's why
Congress must act to keep internet access program alive; here's why

South Carolina Rep. Marvin Pendarvis tells Congress to fully fund the ACP.

NewDEAL Forum Spearheads Bipartisan Effort to Save the ACP
NewDEAL Forum Spearheads Bipartisan Effort to Save the ACP

NewDEAL Forum spearheaded a coordinated, bipartisan effort among state and local elected officials to encourage Congress to fully fund the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which provides essential internet access to more than 22 million families.

Congress must protect this affordable internet program
Congress must protect this affordable internet program

North Dakota Representatives Josh Boschee and Mike Brandenburg call on Congress to fully fund the ACP.

NewDEAL Forum Urges Congress to Pass ACP Extension Act
NewDEAL Forum Urges Congress to Pass ACP Extension Act

A bipartisan group of members of the U.S. House and Senate introduced the Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act, which would ensure adequate funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) for 2024 by appropriating $7 billion for the broadband subsidy.

Broadband Task Force Leaders: Congress Must Fully Fund Affordability Subsidy
Broadband Task Force Leaders: Congress Must Fully Fund Affordability Subsidy

Co-chairs of the NewDEAL Forum’s Broadband Task Force have asked Congressional leaders for an additional $7 billion of funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), an initiative created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that subsidizes high-speed internet for more than 20 million Americans, with more eligible to participate, and is projected to run out of funding in the coming months.

New Report Elevates Oakland’s Innovative Education Efforts as National Models
New Report Elevates Oakland’s Innovative Education Efforts as National Models

NewDEAL Forum releases policy recommendations and best practices gathered during a visit of state and local officials to study Mayor Schaaf’s initiatives to provide students with “Cradle to College” support and address the digital divide.

How State and Local Leaders Can Use Data to Ensure Broadband Access for All
How State and Local Leaders Can Use Data to Ensure Broadband Access for All

A lasting image from early in the pandemic is of two students sitting on the curb in a fast-food restaurant parking lot, using the restaurant’s Wi-Fi to complete their schoolwork. The pandemic exposed how much our lives have moved online—from work to education to health care to government services—and the deep divide between those with and without internet access.

NewDEAL Forum Broadband Task Force Co-Chairs Commend White House’s Broadband Affordability Announcement
NewDEAL Forum Broadband Task Force Co-Chairs Commend White House’s Broadband Affordability Announcement

Michigan Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist, San Jose, CA Mayor Sam Liccardo, and Florida State Senator Loranne Ausley, who are co-chairs on the NewDEAL Forum Broadband Task Force and members of the NewDEAL Leaders network, applauded today’s announcement of a White House partnership with 20 Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to provide high-speed and affordable internet plans. The announcement also included the launch of GetInternet.gov to help families and individuals navigate options and resources to access home broadband.

Report Outlines Broadband Fixes for State, Local Governments
Report Outlines Broadband Fixes for State, Local Governments

A new report from the NewDEAL Forum shows different ways that states and local areas can address the digital divide. The report examines approaches from Texas, California, Colorado and several other states.