senate Resolution No.113

Senators Bayer, Moss, Brinks, Polehanki and Irwin offered the following resolution:

A resolution to memorialize the Congress of the United States to fully fund affordable and consistent internet access for all communities and households across the state of Michigan and the entire country.

Whereas, The spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has resulted in a global pandemic spreading across 213 countries, areas, and territories, including the United States; and

Whereas, To combat the rapid dispersion of the virus, drastic measures have been taken in Michigan, including issuing an order for residents to stay at home. For many of us, this means taking our daily activities — school, work, and medical care — online; and

Whereas, Affordable and consistent internet access is fundamental to full participation in education, work, and health care in everyday life, but it is even more urgently needed during this pandemic crisis. Without affordable and consistent internet access, individuals and families across the state are at an educational and economic disadvantage compared to those with access; and

Whereas, The forced closure of all Michigan school buildings due to COVID-19 and the transition to online learning makes it crystal clear that access to the internet is an absolute requirement to continued education in Michigan. Yet, over 500,000 Michigan students do not currently have any internet service; and

Whereas, Under the stay-at-home order, accessing health care in person is discouraged and possibly even detrimental to an individual's health. Yet, lack of internet access makes it impossible for many Michigan residents to participate in telemedicine opportunities with their doctors. This lack of internet access is increasing healthcare disparities in the state; and

Whereas, The internet is an important and ever-increasing source of information and has become more essential in providing a means for Americans to connect with work, school, and health care. Ensuring that all Americans have access to broadband services at speeds they need to fully participate in our society is imperative; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate, That we memorialize the Congress of the United States to fully fund affordable and consistent internet access for all communities and households across the state of Michigan and the entire country; and be it further

Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.