Washington State to provide low-income families with free internet access

Washington State will be providing $8.8 million to help low-income families obtain internet plans and address other technology needs as Governor Jay Inslee recommends that schools shift their fall semesters online.

The reasoning behind the free internet stems from the concern that students in rural or underserved areas will not be able to access the same internets as those in city centers.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed inequities in every sector of our society,” said Inslee in a Medium post.

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“This pandemic creates unprecedented challenges in our efforts to meet our obligations to equity in education, but we are no less committed to seeing all of our students receive it,” Inslee said. “It is the right thing to do and crucial for the success of all our students.”

According to Inslee, the funds will come from the federal CARES Act and will be administered by the Office the Superintendent of Public Instruction.