Title
Chief Administrative Office recommending the Board authorize the Chair to sign a letter of support for California Assembly Bill 14, also known as the “Internet for All Act of 2021.”
FUNDING: N/A
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
On March 19, 2021, the Chief Administrative Office received an email from the office of California Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry (D-04) requesting the County’s support of Assembly Bill 14, also known as the “Internet for All Act of 2021.” Assemblymember Aguiar-Curry is a co-author of the legislation.
AB 14 (“The Act”) seeks to enhance broadband infrastructure in California’s most underserved communities, including rural areas, by extending the ongoing collection of funds deposited into the California Advanced Services Fund (CASF) to provide communities with grants necessary to bridge the digital divide.
The Act equips Internet Service Providers, Local Governments and Tribal Governments with the opportunity to expedite the connection of their communities to reliable broadband access. Further, the legislation ensures grants administered by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) from the CASF are awarded to applicants who are willing and able to quickly and efficiently connect households, community anchor institutions, small businesses, and employers.
ALTERNATIVES
The Board could choose not to sign the letter of support.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
N/A
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
N/A
CAO RECOMMENDATION / COMMENTS
Chief Administrative Office recommends the Board approve the Chair's letter of support.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no financial impact to the County to issue the letter of support.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
Obtain the Chair's signature on the letter. Return to CAO for distribution to Assemblymember Aguiar-Curry's office.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
Infrastructure
CONTACT
Aaron Magezi, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer