The New York State Digital Equity Network (NYSDEN) is a coalition of regional digital inclusion groups and statewide partners, including elected officials, nonprofit leaders, and digital equity practitioners. Together, we work to ensure that every New Yorker can access the internet, devices, and skills essential to participation in today’s society.

We strongly affirm the constitutionality and critical importance of the Digital Equity Act (DEA), passed with bipartisan support as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (2021). This law supports access to education, workforce development, telehealth, and financial security through digital connectivity and skills – the Internet for All program. It is not a special-interest policy. It is a nationwide investment in our collective well-being by providing digital access and opportunity for all.

We are alarmed by President Trump’s comments and suggestions (May 9, 2025) that DEA funding could be revoked by executive action. The President cannot unilaterally declare a law unconstitutional. That authority rests with the courts, not the Executive Office. Furthermore, our programs are not unconstitutional because they do not exclude or discriminate. Instead, they are designed to include anyone who has been left behind in our digital world—whether due to age, income, language, disability, geography, or other barriers. Our goal is to ensure that everyone has access to the tools and skills needed to thrive in today’s digital world.

Defunding the DEA would harm rural and urban communities alike; older and younger populations; working class and more fragile community members. Every American has a stake in a connected future. All boats rise on the tide of a more educated and digitally connected citizenry. Research is abundantly clear that internet and digital skills are a super social determinant of health (Sieck, Anker, et al., 2021). In fact, a lack of internet access was the strongest predictor of COVID-19 mortality in the U.S (University of Chicago, 2022). Whether it’s for telehealth, education, job skills, social connectivity or online banking, all community members need to be connected in today’s digitally driven world.

We call on all elected officials to:

• Publicly reaffirm support for the Digital Equity Act and Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) funding.
• Demand Congressional oversight now that funding has been threatened.
• Contact federal agencies to urge continued implementation.
• Join NYSDEN and other national coalitions like the National Digital Inclusion Alliance in promoting digital inclusion as a national priority.

Now is the time to act: Uphold the law and protect digital access and opportunity for all community members.

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Ready to Take Action?

If you want to stand up for digital equity, consider signing NYSDEN’s “Protect the Digital Equity Act” ResistBot petition. ResistBot lets you use your preferred messaging app (e.g., Messages, WhatsApp) or text messages to send an email (free), fax, or letter (for a small fee) to your elected representatives. This petition sends a message to your US Senator and Representatives asking them to protect the Digital Equity Act. You’ll be able to read the message before you sign. No data are ever shared; NYSDEN members have used ResistBot for years without any instances of spam, unwanted contact, or data misuse.