Broadband Data Collection Bill Passed!

The New York State Assembly and Senate voted this week to pass our Broadband Data Collection bill! The vote was unanimous in the Assembly, and nearly unanimous in the Senate, with only one State Senator voting against. It now goes to the Governor’s desk to be signed into law. Currently, the state’s broadband maps simply do not have the detailed information needed to determine exactly where and why far too many New Yorkers cannot obtain high-speed, affordable broadband. In order to better understand the problem, this new legislation will require the Public Service Commission to collect more accurate data. Accurate broadband mapping is a needed first step in closing the digital divide – and potentially creating more work for CWA members to hook up unserved or underserved New Yorkers. This victory is a vital step in helping get affordable, high-speed broadband access to all NYers, at a time when it’s most needed. This was a hard fought campaign, with hundreds of our members writing and making phonecalls to their legislators to advocate for the bill – simply put, we would not have achieved this victory without your hard work and dedication. Additionally, this victory is another clear indication that elections have consequences, and how absolutely vital it is for us to have elected leaders in office who will truly fight for New York’s working families. I want to give special mention to our bill sponsors who fought for this legislation, Assemblymember Sean Ryan and Senator Jen Metzger. I couldn’t be more proud to be a CWA member today. Thank you for helping demonstrate once again that when we fight together, we win! In unity, Dennis Trainor Vice President, CWA District 1