HUD takes Action to Expand Broadband to Low-Income Households

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development takes Action to Expand Broadband to Low-Income Households, as Part of Administration's Whole-of-Government Outreach on Affordable Connectivity Program | site |



Secretary Fudge reiterates commitment to expanding equitable access to affordable broadband coverage in rural, urban, and suburban communities


Information contained in U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development press release dated: May 9, 2022 Washington - - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) today informed more than 4 million HUD-assisted families that receiving benefits from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) does not count as income for determining family rent or impact their eligibility for HUD assistance. HUD’s announcement comes as part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s announcement of a “whole-of-government outreach effort” to ...

Biden-Harris Administration Invests over $19 Million to Expand Telehealth Nationwide and Improve Health in Rural, Other Underserved Communities | site |




(Information contained in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services [HHS] press release dated: August 18, 2021)

Today, the Biden-Harris Administration is announcing key investments that will strengthen telehealth services in rural and underserved communities and expand telehealth innovation and quality nationwide. These investments—totaling over $19 million—are being distributed to 36 award recipients through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). “Telehealth is crucial to providing convenient and sustained care for patients,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “This funding demonstrates the Biden-Harris Administration’s strong commitment to expanding access to q...

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Awards $3 Billion to Expand COVID-19 Vaccine Programs | site |



CDC says Funding can be used for innovative partnerships with community-based organizations to increase vaccine uptake, including in underserved populations


(Information contained in Centers for Disease Control and Prevention press release dated: April 6, 2021)

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has awarded funding to support local efforts to increase vaccine uptake by expanding COVID-19 vaccine programs and ensuring greater equity and access to vaccine by those disproportionately affected by SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. The awards are part of $3 billion in funding that CDC has granted to 64 jurisdictions to bolster broad-based vaccine distribution, access, and administration efforts. The funding was made available by the American Rescue Plan and the Coronavirus Response an...

U.S. Department of Transportation Proposes Rule to Expand Mobility for People With Disabilities | site |



Would improve access to rental cars, simplify transportation of wheelchairs and power scooters


(Information contained in National Highway Traffic Safety Administration press release dated: December 28, 2020)

December 28, 2020 | Washington, DC - - The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) today proposed a rule to expand mobility for people with disabilities. This supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking would allow two new modifications for adaptive equipment. “This rule will make it easier for individuals with disabilities to achieve greater mobility and freedom in their lives,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao. The first proposed change would allow rental car companies to disable temporarily a driver’s knee bolster air bag to install hand con...

National Institutes of Health to Assess and Expand COVID-19 Testing for Underserved Communities | site |



(September 30, 2020) - - Today, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) published the following information:

The National Institutes of Health has awarded nearly $234 million to improve COVID-19 testing for underserved and vulnerable populations. A part of the Rapid Acceleration of Diagnostics (RADx) initiative, the RADx Underserved Populations (RADx-UP) program will support 32 institutions across the United States and will focus on populations disproportionately affected by the pandemic. These groups include African Americans, American Indians/Alaskan Natives, Latinos/Latinas, Native Hawaiians, older adults, pregnant women and those who are homeless or incarcerated. “It is critical that all Americans have access to rapid, accurate diagnostics for COVID-19, especially underserved and vulnerable populations who are bearing the brunt of th...

U.S. Department of Agriculture Helps Expand Broadband Service in Rural Illinois and Oklahoma




February 28, 2017


Washington, DC - - (February 27, 2017) - - Acting Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Roger Glendenning today announced that USDA is awarding $19.3 million in loans to provide broadband in rural portions of Illinois and Oklahoma.

"These loans will help bring high-speed internet service to rural communities in downstate Illinois and south-central Oklahoma," Glendenning said. "Many rural areas still lack access to the type of reliable, affordable broadband service that can offer better access to jobs, educational, health care and business services."

In Oklahoma, Southern Plains Cable, LLC will receive a $15.3 million loan to build a fiber-optic broadband network serving a 55-square-mile area that includes the communities of Anadarko, Verden, and Chickasha. Illinois' Moultrie...