Wisconsin Digital Equity Capacity Grant cancelled by action of executive order

WASHINGTON D.C. / MADISON, Wis (Civic Media) – The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin, along with other states, was notified that the State Digital Equity Planning and Capacity Grants were unilaterally terminated by federal executive action, effective Friday, May 9.

The Digital Equity Capacity Grant was funded as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and appropriated by Congress. It included funding for programs and services to help advance internet adoption and digital skills for Wisconsin residents.

The Commission was accepting competitive grant applications when the termination notice was received. The grant program was designed to target digital skills and internet adoption support to low-income households, veterans, people with disabilities, older adults, rural residents, and other Wisconsin residents who need additional programs and support to access and make use of the internet. 

A Bipartisan Infrastructure Law created the Digital Equity Act (DEA), with the goal of solving the digital divide for all Wisconsinites. The DEA consisted of three separate planning and implementation grant programs that promoted digital equity. Digital equity is the condition where all citizens have the skills, devices, and broadband service necessary to fully participate in the economy and society of Wisconsin.  

Due to the federal termination of the program, the Digital Equity Capacity Grant application was closed on May 13, and applications submitted to date will not be reviewed or considered for funding at this time. The Commission will notify applicants should funding become available again. 

President Donald Trump posted Thursday on his social media platform that the Digital Equity Act was unconstitutional, calling the programs it funded “racist and illegal.” The cancellation notice came Friday evening.

Governor Evers and the Public Service Commission remain committed to the grant program’s objectives. They are working to understand the impacts that termination of this program will have on statewide internet adoption and digital skills. 

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