Bill Text: MI HR0275 | 2019-2020 | 100th Legislature | Introduced
Bill Title: A resolution to memorialize the Congress of the United States to ensure that all Americans have internet access necessary to participate in telemedicine, distance learning, and telework as part of any legislation that provides relief and recovery resources related to the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 16-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2020-06-10 - Referred To Committee On Communications And Technology [HR0275 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2019-HR0275-Introduced.html
house Resolution No.275
Rep. Lasinski offered the following resolution:
Whereas, The spread of novel coronavirus (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 and other states, including orders requiring 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 reliable 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 health crisis. Yet 37 percent of Michigan residents do not
have access to high speed broadband internet and in some rural counties this
number exceeds 90 percent. Disparities in home internet access exacerbates
existing gaps in educational, economic, and health outcomes for disadvantaged individuals
and families; and
Whereas,
The closure of many schools across the nation 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 the United States. Yet, over 9,000,000 children
across the country do not currently have any internet access; and
Whereas, Due
to the COVID-19 Pandemic, accessing health care in person carries risks for
some individuals. Yet, lack of internet access makes it impossible for many Americans
to participate in telemedicine opportunities with their doctors. This lack of
internet access is increasing healthcare disparities in the nation; and
Whereas, Providing state and local governments with adequate funding and increasing funding support of the Federal Communications Commission will ensure that all students, employees, and those seeking medical care are able to participate equally in necessary, online activities; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we memorialize the Congress of the United States to ensure that all Americans have internet access necessary to participate in telemedicine, distance learning, and telework as part of any legislation that provides relief and recovery resources related to the COVID-19 Pandemic; 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.
