More States Unveil COVID-19 Broadband Aid

North Carolina would spend $50 million on emergency broadband grants using federal COVID-19 funding, under a proposed budget revealed Wednesday by Gov. Roy Cooper (D). Kentucky will spend $8 million in federal coronavirus aid to reduce monthly internet costs for low-income parents of K-12 students, Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman (D) said Tuesday. Kentucky will ask ISPs to respond by Sept. 15 to a request for proposals to provide high-speed internet for up to $10 monthly for the next two to three school years, with federal Lifeline to cover some longer-term costs. Lack of internet access “disproportionately affects communities of color and Kentuckians who live in poverty,” Coleman said. In Mississippi, Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann (R) and Public Service Commissioner Brandon Presley (D) tweeted support Wednesday for their state’s $75 million COVID-19 broadband bill (see 2008250003) that awaits the governor's signature by Monday. Gov. Tate Reeves (R) didn’t comment Wednesday.