A cross-sector coalition urges Gov. Gavin Newsom to connect Californians with a one-time $8 billion investment in high speed 100 Mbps broadband infrastructure and programs. The group estimates that 8.4 million California residents are without broadband subscriptions.

This coalition representing education, health, local government and economic policy organizations believe investment in broadband infrastructure and support services is critical to improving health, equity, education and the economy for years to come. The coalition includes California Association of School Business Officials, the California Hospital Association, California Forward Action Fund, California School Boards Association, California State Association of Counties, Rural County Representatives of California, Small School Districts’ Association and the Urban Counties of California.

The funding request complements rather than competes with several important bills currently pending in the Legislature. AB 14 and SB 4 would make important reforms to the CPUC’s broadband infrastructure subsidy program and authorize a $1 billion revenue bond.