July 8, 2025 − On June 30, 2025, Pennsylvania’s leading “broadband-for-all” advocates, including over 30 elected officials, sent a letter to Governor Shapiro urging him to challenge President Trump’s illegal termination of $65 million in federal “Digital Equity Act” grants. These grants would have been used to improve Pennsylvanians’ computer skills, career opportunities, and online safety. 

The letter signatories write: “The importance of Digital Equity Act funding to Pennsylvania cannot be overstated. Nearly eighty percent of residents in our state would be eligible for support accessing the Internet, using computers, and developing the skills needed to succeed in the online economy and access health care, financial, and civic services.”

The letter, led by the Keystone Internet Coalition (KIC), comes days after Governor Shapiro joined 21 other states in suing the Trump Administration over its unilateral cancellation of these congressionally mandated grants. The letter signatories call on Governor Shapiro to use the lawsuit to recover Pennsylvania’s Digital Equity Act funding.

“The loss of Digital Equity Act funds would hurt Pennsylvania’s economic competitiveness and make citizens in every corner of our state less prepared for an increasingly online economy,” said Representative Joe Ciresi, Majority Chair, House Communications & Technology Committee.“Digital equity bridges the gap so that families aren’t locked out of everything from modern jobs and communications to telemedicine and online education, while at the same time making sure they’re safe online. We can’t afford to leave anyone behind, and we can’t afford for Pennsylvania to get left behind as we look to be a leader in the tech and innovation economy.”

“In 2025, access to high-speed internet is essential for success and competitiveness in today’s digital world,” said Senator Nick Miller, Democratic Chair, Senate Communications & Technology Committee. “The Digital Equity Act has opened doors for older adults, rural residents, low-income households, veterans, community members, and many others, helping them secure reliable internet access that enhances daily life. We must continue to invest in the tools and infrastructure needed to thrive in a connected society, and work to build a more inclusive and equitable future where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.”

The digital divide in my district is not just a technological issue—it’s a matter of economic justice,” said Senator John I. Kane, Member, Senate Communications & Technology Committee. “From neighborhoods in the City of Chester to the farms of Kennett Square, too many of our communities remain digitally underserved or completely unconnected. When families can’t access reliable internet, they’re cut off from educational opportunities, healthcare resources, and economic growth. The Digital Equity Act represents a crucial lifeline for these communities, and the administration’s attempt to terminate this congressionally approved funding is not just illegal—it’s a direct attack on the future of Pennsylvania. Like many districts across our Commonwealth, we need this support to ensure no Pennsylvanian is left behind in the digital economy.”

“Internet access has become a growing necessity for everyday life in our modern technology driven society,” said Representative Aerion Abney, Member, House Appropriations Committee. “In my district, families are locked out of jobs, healthcare, and education simply because they lack reliable internet. The Digital Equity Act is essential to closing that gap. The President has no authority to dismantle it. We should be expanding these programs, not tearing them down. We can’t afford to allow Pennsylvania families to be without this crucial service.”