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In remembrance of John Lewis
Statement from Alderman Khalif J. Rainey
July 30, 2020
Since Congressman John Lewis passed away, countless people have offered their thoughts on his legacy, stories of interactions with him, and how he served as an inspiration. Today offers another such opportunity for reflection as the funeral services occur for the late congressman and civil rights leader.
Earlier this week the full Common Council unanimously sponsored and passed a resolution honoring John Lewis for his service as a civil rights leader and congressman. It was one small act we can take to recognize a man who gave so much for our society.
Personally, John Lewis has been an inspiration to me and has served as a guiding light for those who have ventured into a life of public service.
As a national voice for civil rights I will always appreciate him for being a leader at the March on Washington in 1963, leading peaceful protestors across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, and then continuing his fight racial equality and justice as an elected official for more than 30 years.
John Lewis devoted his life to bringing justice to all Americans, and his decades of service have laid the foundation for us to continue advocating for civil rights and equality. His memory will not be forgotten, and we will carry on his life’s work by continuing to get in “good trouble.”
GMF to marshal $30M for economic recovery
Long-term impact investments preceded by immediate small business relief
Milwaukee, Wis., July 28, 2020 – To fuel an equitable economic recovery, the Greater Milwaukee Foundation will dedicate $30 million over the next five years to new impact investments focused on producing positive social and economic impact in the Milwaukee region. The Foundation is committing $15 million of existing resources and will seek the remainder through private fundraising.
Complementing this long-term commitment, the Foundation recently provided over $620,000 in immediate support to sustain local small businesses.
“The COVID-19 outbreak coupled with large-scale civil demonstrations for racial justice have only heightened the need for greater action and investment in our local communities,” said Ellen Gilligan, Foundation president and CEO. “Philanthropy, in partnership with community, must concentrate now on our long-term economic recovery – not just from the acute needs caused by the current crises but from the chronic disparities that have long kept Milwaukee from reaching its potential.”
Driven by a generational commitment to racial equity and inclusion since 2016, the Foundation is concentrating an increased share of resources among people and places that have been subject to declining or absent investment through the years and using a range of philanthropic tools to do so. The Foundation intends these strategies to create jobs, provide access to capital and help build personal wealth, which directly influences one’s ability to improve the quality of their life and those around them.
Impact investing for a thriving community
By doubling the $15 million already mobilized by the Foundation, community investors can join in catalyzing significant economic activity through impact investing. This tool offers a means of generating both social and financial returns, allowing capital to be reclaimed and reinvested in new projects. The $30 million impact investing strategy is just one component in the Foundation’s comprehensive approach to expanding resources that benefit the community.
“Now is the time to come together to start reversing the devastating effects of systemic racism that have held back families for generations, creating barriers for people of color to participate meaningfully in building wealth and economic growth,” said Jackie Herd-Barber, chair of Foundation’s Board of Directors. “For those of you – individuals, families, organizations – who are compelled to create lasting change in our community, for those of who are looking for a tool to leverage investment, for those of you who want to do something tangible to help transform our neighborhoods from the inside out, we invite you to join us, invest with us.”
Building off a $1 million impact investing pilot program that supported the growth of 47 new small businesses, helped create more than 85 jobs, redeveloped dilapidated properties into productive commercial spaces and attracted $4.9 million in additional public investment to local neighborhoods, the Foundation is scaling up its deployment of assets for community benefit.
The Foundation’s program focuses on three core priorities:
- Equitable Economic Opportunities – improving job access and wealth creation for Milwaukee residents through place-based job and business growth.
- Affordable Housing – creating or enhancing affordable housing options that retain existing residents as well as attract new residents and household types.
- Early Childhood Education – increasing the supply of quality, affordable, early childhood education services, leading to workforce development and upward economic mobility.
“Thoughtful projects that would bring excellent value to the community but are encountering barriers to traditional financing are often strong candidates for impact investing,” said Kathryn Dunn, senior vice president of community impact. “We’ve shown how this instrument can cultivate entrepreneurship – particularly in communities of color – increase employment opportunities and support creation of vibrant, mixed-income communities. Such investment is needed now more than ever.”
Grants for small business relief and recovery
Beyond the long-term approach of impact investing, the Foundation has provided immediate support to Milwaukee’s the small business sector by awarding grants to community intermediaries who offer business assistance:
African American Chamber of Commerce is using its $180,000 grant to provide small grants to businesses led by people of color who need support for rent, payroll and other emergency needs.
Latino Entrepreneurial Network is using its $150,000 grant to offer small grants and loans to businesses that were likely not eligible or not successful in applying for federal stimulus dollars. Business coaching and training sessions are required for access to these resources.
King Drive Business Improvement District is using its $150,000 grant to add capacity to the BID and provide direct support to small businesses impacted by marches and protests that have occurred along North Martin Luther King Jr. Drive.
LISC Milwaukee is using its $100,000 grant to make small grants for immediate needs like rent and payroll available for businesses in several city business improvement districts. The grant also supported a modest micro loan program for businesses in the commercial corridors of several Milwaukee neighborhoods.
Sherman Phoenix businesses and operators have received a total of $42,000 in grants for rent assistance and other relief through the advised funds of multiple Foundation donors.
Together, these grants will have a positive impact on an estimated 200 small businesses.
Interconnected strategies for economic recovery
Recognizing that the need is great and many factors contribute to the health of the community’s economy, the Foundation is taking a holistic approach to recovery that centers the voices and priorities of people most affected – collaborating on solutions that help families, neighborhoods and businesses while also focusing on long-term systems change. Interconnected efforts supported by the Foundation further include:
- Preventing resident displacement by hosting and contributing $100,000 of seed funding to the MKE United Anti-Displacement Fund. To-date, the fund has provided about $37,000 in property tax relief to 114 homeowners in the Harambee, Halyard Park, Brewers Hill and Walker’s Point neighborhoods who experienced rising taxes due to nearby development.
- Helping stabilize the early childhood education sector by joining with the Home Grown Child Care Emergency Fund to provide $350,000 in grants to 140 licensed family and center-based providers in areas of Milwaukee with the highest concentration of black and Hispanic children. Sustaining the sector – important for child development, jobs and its role in enabling parents to return to work – is a priority for the MKE Civic Response Team, in which the Foundation has a leadership role.
- Making a transformative, place-based investment in partnership with the Medical College of Wisconsin and Royal Capital Group that will bring complementary resources, jobs, mixed-income housing and valued services to the Halyard Park, Harambee and Brewers Hill neighborhoods. This includes the redevelopment of the former Gimbels-Schuster’s department store, where the Foundation’s headquarters will be relocated.
- Supporting a wide array of COVID-19 relief efforts throughout the community. The Foundation’s total commitment to coronavirus relief is over $8.4 million, with nearly $1 million going toward community development and employment/training.
- Strengthening past investments. As the pandemic began affecting places and organizations supported through the impact investing pilot program like Sherman Phoenix, 5 Points Art Gallery & Studios and Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation, the Foundation reduced or changed due dates on loan payments and supported programming changes that aided in business stability.
About the Greater Milwaukee Foundation
The Greater Milwaukee Foundation is Wisconsin’s largest community foundation and was among the first established in the world. For more than a century, the Foundation has inspired philanthropy by connecting generous people to community needs that align with their interests. The Foundation was founded on the premise that generosity can unlock an individual’s potential and strengthen the community as a whole for everyone who lives here. We work in partnership with those who are committed to ensuring greater Milwaukee is a vibrant, economically thriving region that comprises welcoming and inclusive communities providing opportunity, prosperity and a high quality of life for all.
greatermilwaukeefoundation.org | @GrMKEFdn | facebook.com/GreaterMilwaukeeFoundation
Activist Says He Wants Justice, Not Money, For Unwarranted Assault While a Prison Inmate by Seven Guards
By Thomas E. Mitchell, Jr.
(Editor’s Note: This article contains a paragraph of a sensitive, explicit nature in describing what happened to article’s main subject and is only mentioned to give the article context.)
David Ali Shabazz, a former inmate at Waupun Correctional Institution with several disabilities, who claims he was a victim of excessive force and sexual assault by seven White Waupun prison officials, doesn’t want a monetary settlement that could net him hundreds of thousands of dollars.
All Shabazz wants is justice for himself and current and former Black prison inmates in Waupun and other Wisconsin correctional institutions who have suffered—and are suffering—physical abuse during their incarceration.
Though the alleged assault happened in 2018, Shabazz said he decided to speak out now because he felt the time was right to put a spotlight on what happened to him.
Having kept his case and efforts to get justice under wraps—for, what he said was for ‘negotiation’ purposes with the legal system—Shabazz said he became emboldened to speak out now because of George Floyd’s death almost two months ago while in police custody.
Floyd’s death sparked national and international protests that called for systemic change in America regarding racial inequality, social and economic disparities, and the unequal way law enforcement ‘police’ communities of color, as well as the need for reforms in policing.
During a recent interview, Shabazz said he has declined settlement offers. He feels it’s necessary to now reveal what happened in order to finally get justice, and for the Waupun officers who assaulted him to lose their jobs.
Shabazz, a well-known and respected activist who worked with Father James Groppi during the Open Housing Marches in the 1960s and was a co-founder of the Commandos, was serving a 12-year sentence for battery at the time of the incident at Waupun. He was originally facing 105 years for allegedly raping, strangling and suffocating a woman who worked for him. Shabazz was the owner/proprietor of Qualified Transitional Living Center for Black families in the community.
However, the woman—and her husband, who committed the battery on her according to Shabazz—were, he said, trying to rob him at his home. Shabazz was found not guilty of the rape allegation. Nevertheless, he was sentenced (wrongly, according to Shabazz) to 12 years for the alleged battery. During his 4-1/2 year of those six he served at Waupun, Shabazz spent 3-1/2 in solitary confinement.
Shabazz said he plans to bring a lawsuit for false imprisonment against the judge in that case, Milwaukee County Circuit Court Branch 12 Judge David Borowski.
Shabazz is totally deaf and blind on his right side, with 60% loss of hearing on his left side. He wears a corrective contact in his right eye, and hearing aids.
Shabazz also suffers from arthritis in both legs and knee joints that contributes to an unsteady gait without the aid of patella braces and back brace he must wear at all times.
Shabazz had these conditions at the time of the assault by the White officers at Waupun on June 27, 2018. According to a complaint he filed with the United States District of Wisconsin, Shabazz was walking from his cell unit to recreation when one of the officers in question, Lt. Sanchez (no first names are given in the complaint, a copy of which was given to the MCJ by Shabazz) called him over, pointing to Shabazz’s pants—which were rolled up like shorts showing his braces—and told him to roll them down.
When Shabazz told Sanchez he would roll them down when he returned to his cell, the correction official accused him of being “resistant” to his order.
Sanchez and correction officers Miller and Levy grabbed Shabazz, handcuffing him behind his back and placing leg chains on his ankles.
He was allegedly dragged over one hundred yards to another part of the unit where they were joined by a fourth correction officer named Olsen. As Miller and Olsen held Shabazz by both arms, Sanchez placed an X-26 Taser on Shabazz’s shoulder blades.
Sanchez then reportedly ordered one of the three officers to place Shabazz in a headlock while jamming his face against a portion of a fenced area. Sanchez then summoned correction officers Rosenthal, Umentium, Sgt. Gould, and correction officer Kobza.
All seven officers dragged Shabazz into the Restrictive Housing Unit (RHU). Once inside the RHU, they stood Shabazz up and forced his head against the door of a ‘strip cell’ and placed him in another headlock, Tasing his shoulder blades and cutting off his clothes and underwear with a pair of Dura Shears.
While being held by the other officers, Gould allegedly fondled Shabazz’s testicles and (according to the complaint) placed both hands on his buttocks, spreading open the cheeks to expose his anus in view of everyone, male and female (the complaint doesn’t distinguish which of the seven correction officers listed are male or female).
“You can’t do a strip search in the open,” Shabazz said during the interview. “It violates the procedure for a strip search.”
The officers then reportedly dragged Shabazz—still naked, cuffed and chained—to an upstairs cell with no mattress, linens, or toilet paper. Shabazz laid naked on a concrete slab for 24 hours.
Shabazz, who was on medication for his health issues, was forced to go through withdrawal while in the cell. Shabazz currently has a second lawsuit pending, which deals with the denial of his medication while in the cell after the assualt, which led to his withdrawal.
Shabazz believes the correction officers did what they did to make an example of him because he was using his experience as an advocate and knowledge of the legal system to help other inmates with their cases.
Not only is Shabazz seeking justice for what happened to him at Waupun, he also wants to expose the mistreatment—even deaths—of other inmates in the state’s penal institutions.
During the interview, Shabazz recounted an incident that happened prior to his assault. While in solitary confinement once, he engaged in a conversation with a younger prisoner in another cell that ended around 2 a.m. in the morning.
At 8 a.m. later that morning, Shabazz saw individuals taking a gurney down the corridor for the body of the individual he was talking to the night before. Shabazz was told, by a correction officer the prisoner hung himself. Shabazz said he doesn’t believe the prisoner hung himself.
“You have (Black inmate) deaths that are not reported and an inmate grievance system that is stacked against them,” said Shabazz, who noted that many Black inmates—who are serving long sentences that are out of proportion with their crimes in many cases—are assaulted or killed in prison.
ACLU Statement on President Trump’s Dismissal of the Disproportionate Police Killings of Black People
WASHINGTON — When asked in an interview today why Black Americans are “still dying at the hands of law enforcement in this country,” President Donald Trump responded:
“So are white people. So are white people. What a terrible question to ask. So are white people,” Trump told CBS News senior investigative correspondent Catherine Herridge at the White House. “More people, by the way. More white people.”
Jeffery Robinson, director of the American Civil Liberties Union’s Trone Center for Justice and Equality, highlighted the dangerous and racist implications of the president’s comments in the following statement:
“President Trump once again showed that he and his administration will continue to ignore the racial terror campaigns that law enforcement wage daily in Black and Brown communities. His statement not only ignores the fact that per capita Black and Brown people are disproportionately killed by police, it provides the foundation for the dangerous and unconstitutional police practices that result in the deaths of Black people with regularity.
“Trump’s racism is so absolute that he continues to refuse to give even a tacit acknowledgment to the epidemic of police violence against Black people in America. His claims that asking about police killing Black people is a terrible question are rooted in his inability to discuss race and policing without sounding bigoted and foolish. This type of behavior isn’t new, rather just affirmation that President Trump is a bigot with no problem with the level of police violence against Black communities. It’s clear that the President of the United States will continue to use the violence and suffering perpetrated against Black communities as a white-supremacist dog whistle ahead of the coming election.”
This statement is here: https://www.aclu.org/press-
Did COVID-19 Force You Into A Career Change? Here Are 5 Tips
President Johnson seeks 10% MPD budget reduction in 2021 to be reallocated for vital community needs
A file was introduced with the purpose of directing the City of Milwaukee’s budget office to prepare a model 2021 police department budget showing a 10% reduction in resources. Those resources would instead be reallocated to critical community needs such as housing, the health department and violence prevention, as well as funding the work of the Community Collaborative Commission.
I co-sponsored that legislation and I did so with the ideas that I presented last week for police reform in mind. I believe that the conversations around police reform and reallocation of resources are intertwined and must happen simultaneously and not in separate siloes.
Let’s keep in mind that the 2020 police budget consumes just over 45% of the City’s general fund revenues compared to funding for the Milwaukee Public Library (at just under 4%) and the Milwaukee Health Development at just over 2% for the same year. In fact, for the last few years, the budget of the police department captures every single property tax dollar generated in the city plus several million more and in 2021, as in years past, the police department is asking for more.
Couple that with the fact that the state shared revenue program that in the past paid the entirety of the cost of the police department and left the city with millions of additional dollars to invest in infrastructure and other areas, is simply broken and we have a funding system that is simply unsustainable.
These issues collide after the death of yet another African American, George Floyd, in police custody and endless protests in streets across the United States and around the globe calling for systemic change to American policing.
Look at the protests in Milwaukee, New York City, Paris, Chicago, Seoul, Wausau, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., Minneapolis, and so many other cities and countries around the world. Listen to their cries. Hear their passion. Know their determination. Witness their diversity. This I believe is a critical inflection point and an opportunity for our city to meet this moment in history.
As we discuss the options presented in the model budget that will be presented to the Common Council, all of us should understand and affirm the fact that policing is a difficult, dangerous, but also very necessary profession. We can both appreciate the strides made by our local police department over the course of the last two years and also recognize that those strides came about because there have been problems that necessitated those changes. We can do that just the same as we can both recognize that Mr. Floyd’s death was caused by a law enforcement officer more than 300 miles away, and recognize that the same institutional problems have created a list of names of African Americans who have died by law enforcement here in Milwaukee.
Police and community are symbiotic — we need each other. But it’s also true that it is past time for that relationship to be re-examined so that we can address the historical, institutionalized problems that have created systemic oppression and far too many deaths for African Americans, people of color, and other affected groups in this country for decades and indeed centuries.
I look forward to the robust conversation that I know will follow behind the introduction of this legislation. I also very much look forward to the model 2021 budget that the administration will present for the Council’s consideration.
It must be noted that city officials have been and continue to be bombarded with emails from residents of Milwaukee, southeastern Wisconsin, and from across the state encouraging us to capitalize on this moment and shift resources from policing to prevention and the front side of people’s lives. I would be derelict in my duty if I did not mention that changes in policing cannot only be contained to America’s largest cities. Would change really be realized if an African American experiences the same struggles and oppression once they cross the municipal or county line? Don’t the African Americans who live beyond the city limits in communities in adjacent counties deserve the same protections and justice that are being advocated for in Milwaukee and other large American cities?
Yes, they do and so for these calls to reach their highest and best utility, they must be applied generally and echoed by state and federal action and not just in large population centers.
We know that investing in education, health care, quality housing, fully funded and far reaching transportation, and other social determinants of health lays the foundation for all of our citizens to grow into productive, contributing members of society. That’s what folks are asking for — a chance to actually live. Plus, making these front end investments only stands to make the job of policing easier in the long run. We don’t need to study these things, we know them. We don’t need to create a new body to look at these things, we’re aware. Now is the time to move forward to the next step and by examining the financial impacts for the first time, we are moving into waters yet to be explored.
Rest assured that until some actual change is realized, the marching in the streets will continue as the organizers have commented that they are prepared to break Milwaukee’s standing record of consecutive days of marching against injustice. That’s more than 200 days of protests and I for one, believe them, support them, and will continue peacefully marching alongside them.
Know justice. Know peace.
U.S. Bank Offers Financial Support and Demonstrates Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Amid COVID-19 Pandemic
NNPA NEWSWIRE — As the global coronavirus pandemic upends all aspects of our lives, U.S. Bank is uniting with other corporations and longstanding partner organizations that are representing members of underserved and minority communities to advocate for inclusion among Pan-Asians and other cultural segments.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – As we weather the COVID-19 pandemic together, U.S. Bank is here to help. We have developed a single site full of online resources where customers can go to find helpful information regarding their financial needs. Through this online resource and other partnerships, U.S. Bank aims to provide simple, clear information to help individuals and small businesses get through the pandemic and tangible financial assistance to support our communities.
“Our entire team has rallied around each other, our customers and our communities, and it is a tremendous honor to work with them as we fight this pandemic,” said U.S. Bancorp Chairman, President and CEO Andy Cecere in a statement on the company’s website. “We stand together, and we are focused on keeping people healthy and safe – personally, professionally and financially.”
Here to help with your financial needs
At usbank.com/covid-19, customers will find helpful links to manage their finances, as well as information about the financial programs created under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act to help individuals and small businesses – including Economic Impact Payments (EIPs), mortgage assistance, new rules for IRAs and retirement accounts, and the SBA Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).
Commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion
As the global coronavirus pandemic upends all aspects of our lives, U.S. Bank is uniting with other corporations and longstanding partner organizations that are representing members of underserved and minority communities to advocate for inclusion among Pan-Asians and other cultural segments.
U.S. Bank joined Ascend, Catalyst, Executive Leadership Council (ELC), Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility (HACR), National Organization on Disability (NOD) and Out & Equal as a Supporting Company on a COVID-19 response Action Agenda. These organizations are leading champions, connectors and conveners for business leaders and professionals who are Pan-Asians, African American, Hispanic, women, LGBTQ and persons with disabilities.
These organizations are committed to redoubling on their mission to promote inclusion in these unprecedented times by addressing the adverse impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak. Many of the low wage earners in our communities are particularly impacted during this public health and economic crisis, while health officials indicate the pandemic has claimed disproportionate numbers of Black and Hispanic lives.
“We’re proud to stand with our peers and these leading organizations to help maintain a sense of community and support at a time when we need to stay physically apart,” said Greg Cunningham, U.S. Bank Chief Diversity Officer.
U.S. Bank commits nearly $60 million to employees and communities for COVID-19 relief and recovery efforts
U.S. Bank committed nearly $60 million to employees and communities for COVID-19 relief and recovery efforts. It started with a new Pay Premium Program for front-line employees and a $30 million investment in communities.
U.S. Bank transforms and expedites community investments in response to immediate COVID-19 needs
U.S. Bank has expedited its annual $1 million Market Impact Fund grant program in April to provide funding for 30 local nonprofits that are working to respond to the most pressing needs in their communities.
From Los Angeles to Chicago, the grants are being used by nonprofits to support small businesses, maintain safe housing and ensure accessibility to critical human services by the communities’ most economically vulnerable populations. The company is deploying these funds three months earlier than originally scheduled to ensure immediate relief.
“We know how many nonprofits are struggling and we wanted to make sure that our partners know that we trust them to use our grant dollars in whatever way is needed to sustain the life-changing work they do in our communities every day,” said U.S. Bank Chief Social Responsibility Officer Reba Dominski.
The move is part of a broader shift in how U.S. Bank is approaching community giving this year in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Last month, the company announced a $30 million philanthropic commitment focused on short-term relief and long-term recovery and was intentionally focused on communities of color and low-to-moderate income communities. U.S. Bank donated $4 million to three national nonprofits – United Way, LISC and Operation HOPE – and announced that its remaining $25 million in grants planned for this year could be used by nonprofits for general operating expenses rather than for specific programming. We anticipate 90 percent of this full $30 million commitment will be invested in organizations serving people of color and low-to-moderate income communities.
U.S. Bancorp Community Development Corporation Finances $50 Million in Capital to Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) to help small businesses impacted by COVID-19
U.S. Bancorp Community Development Corporation (USBCDC), the tax credit and community investment subsidiary of U.S. Bank, facilitated $50 million in capital to seven community development financial institution (CDFI) customers, helping them provide loans through the Small Business Administration (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program.
Each of the CDFIs are receiving $5-$10 million in low interest rate loans to support their ability to fund small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. CDFIs play a critical role in bringing investment and resources to underserved communities, and those who may not be eligible for traditional small business financing, with a focus on women and minority-owned businesses and low-to-moderate income communities.
U.S. Bank has been a long-time partner working with CDFIs to provide funding to entrepreneurs in underserved communities. By the end of 2019, U.S. Bank helped ensure that more than $400 million in capital was available for CDFIs and their customers.
About U.S. Bank
U.S. Bancorp, with more than 70,000 employees and $543 billion in assets as of March 31, 2020, is the parent company of U.S. Bank National Association, the fifth-largest commercial bank in the United States. The Minneapolis-based bank blends its relationship teams, branches and ATM network with mobile and online tools that allow customers to bank how, when and where they prefer. U.S. Bank is committed to serving its millions of retail, business, wealth management, payment, commercial and corporate, and investment services customers across the country and around the world as a trusted financial partner, a commitment recognized by the Ethisphere Institute naming the bank one of the 2020 World’s Most Ethical Companies. Visit U.S. Bank at usbank.com or follow on social media to stay up to date with company news.
Stop Excluding People of Color in Environmental Policies
Senator Baldwin, Colleagues Demand Expanded Internet Access for Low-Income Americans throughout COVID-19 Crisis
Senators urge Lifeline internet service providers to expand service to ensure American families can work and learn remotely, access telehealth resources during this pandemic
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin today joined a group of colleagues to demand better mobile internet service for low-income Americans impacted by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Improved internet access would help American families better work and learn from home and access vital telehealth resources.
The federal Lifeline service program, administered by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), provides free and discounted voice, text and cellular internet service to nine million low-income Americans.
In a series of letters to Lifeline internet service providers led by Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR), the Senators wrote,“During this public health crisis, it is imperative that internet providers, like your company, act to ensure that the millions of American families who depend on the Lifeline program are not left behind by an ever-growing digital divide.”
Basic wireless Lifeline service currently only provides 3GB of data per month, enough data to read emails and access the web, but not enough to telework or access telehealth resources. Many Lifeline providers also do not enable Wi-Fi hotspot capabilities for their devices, preventing children and families from using devices with larger screens, like tablets, laptops and desktop computers to work or learn effectively from home.
Joining Baldwin and Wyden on today’s series of letters were Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Kamala D. Harris (D-CA), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Patty Murray (D-WA), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH).
The Senators requested Lifeline service providers take a number of steps to expand their service:
- Enable hotspot access for all Lifeline subscribers, so they can connect laptops or tablets to smartphones that support this feature;
- Ensure all Lifeline subscribers have access to 4G service, where available, with at least the same speed and priority of service that other resellers of mobile services of that network offer to their customers;
- Provide no-cost upgrades to existing subscribers using older smartphones provided by the Lifeline provider that lack hotspot functionality;
- Allow consumers to roll over some or all of their voice minutes and data allowances from one month to the next;
- Work with their network operator — such as AT&T, Verizon or T-Mobile, who have all pledged to help American families during this crisis — to substantially increase the monthly data allowance beyond 3 GB, at no cost to Lifeline subscribers; and
- Provide subscribers with clear instructions on how to access their smartphone hotspot capability, including via text message.
“As a Lifeline provider, you have a unique opportunity to improve the education, health and economic outcomes of your subscribers during this pandemic,” the Senators continued.
The Senators requested responses from the internet service providers by April 8, 2020. The Senators sent individuals letters to the following Lifeline providers: Airvoice Wireless LLC, American Broadband and Telecommunications Company, Amerimex Communications Corp., Assist Wireless LLC, Boomerang Wireless LLC, Cellular One, Cintex Wireless LLC, Global Connection Inc of America, I-Wireless, Q-Link Wireless LLC, Sage Telecom Communications LLC, TAG Mobile LLC, Telrite Corporation, Tempo Telecom LLC, TerraCom Inc., TracFone, TruConnect Communications Inc., True Wireless Inc., U.S. Cellular, Virgin Mobile USA and Yourtel America Inc.