Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley Joined Advocacy Groups to Talk About the Importance of the

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Contact: Morgan Grunow

August 26, 2022 ,mgrunow@forourfuturefund.org

Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley Joined Advocacy Groups to Talk About the Importance of the Affordable Connectivity Program

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MILWAUKEE – Yesterday, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley joined For Our Future – Wisconsin, the Communication Workers of America, Opportunity Wisconsin and the Milwaukee Teachers’ Education Association to discuss the importance of the Affordable Connectivity Program.

The Affordable Connectivity Program helps connect families and households to internet service who may otherwise be unable to afford it. The program is part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law – a once-in-a-generation investment in our nation’s infrastructure systems – that was signed into law by President Joe Biden in November of last year.

“When we think about disparities we often think about the gaps in education, in wages and in health care. But access to internet connectivity also has its disparities, and it creates barriers – it prevents people of all stripes from fully participating in our society, our democracy and our economy, ” said Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley. “The $65 billion bipartisan investment into our country’s technology infrastructure will move us closer to achieving digital equity for all communities and students, particularly for students of color, as well as Native students.”

“Access to high-quality, affordable internet connectivity is not a luxury or an extra; it’s a necessity. And in Milwaukee, too many families don’t have high speed internet or the devices needed to access it,” said Amy Mizalko, president of the Milwaukee Teachers’ Education Association. “And at a time when a significant amount of work and learning is done virtually, it’s imperative that we make sure all MPS families are able to participate equitably in their public schools and in their workplaces.”

Tierra Burks, a canvasser with For Our Future-WI and a resident of Milwaukee, has three kids in middle and high school who all depend on the internet, as well as herself, who needs it for work. However, affording this necessary service has been difficult for Burks’ family.

“Having to afford rent and electricity and paying for food and transportation and cell phones – it’s not affordable right now to be able to pay for the high speed internet too,” Burks said.

In addition to those quoted above, the following people also spoke at the press event:

  • Morgan Grunow, For Our Future-WI
  • Kwami Barnes, Communications Workers of America
  • Cierra Chesir, Milwaukee Regional Lead, Opportunity Wisconsin

Members of the media wishing to ask questions or speak with any of the speakers present at the event can contact ,mgrunow@forourfuturefund.org.

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Paid for by For Our Future Wisconsin, a project of For Our Future Action Fund. For Our Future Wisconsin is a progressive organizing hub that works to mobilize Wisconsinites on issues and elections and empower them to create lasting change that benefits working families and communities.