California Cuts $2 Billion in Broadband Funding. Here’s What It Means

The digital divide just grew a little wider in California, as Gov. Gavin Newsom announced on Friday that he would be slashing $2 billion for broadband from the state budget.  “These are programs, propositions that I’ve long advanced — many of them,” Newsom said as he began outlining his budget. “But you’ve got to do it. We have to be responsible. We have to be accountable.”  Newsom is attempting to balance a budget deficit of $27.6 billion for the fiscal year that starts July 1. The move comes at a difficult moment for internet consumers. The Affordable Connectivity Program, which provides $30 to $75 monthly to help low-income families pay for internet, will officially be out of money by the end of May. California has more residents enrolled in the ACP than any other state, at 2.9 million.

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