Topline:
Why it matters: The internet is considered essential for modern life, yet 12% of households in Huntington Park don’t have access. Experts say affordability is the main barrier.
Why now: City officials announced the program during a news conference this week. Mayor Karina Macias called it a “historic” moment for the city. “During the pandemic, we saw how much it affected our students and our youth to not have that access to Wi-Fi,” she said. “It’s about equity.”
The backstory: California has been spending billions to help close the digital divide. Huntington Park recently requested $25.4 million in federal grant money to connect 3,000 unserved households. A final decision is expected by June.
Go deeper: For more on the state’s digital divide and how it impacts Angelenos, click here.
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