Bill Overview
Title: IT Service Corps Act
Description: This bill includes programs dedicated to the achievement of digital equity in underserved communities, including through supporting digital inclusion activities and enhancing digital literacy among individuals in such communities, within federally supported national service programs (e.g., AmeriCorps).
Sponsors: Rep. Kilmer, Derek [D-WA-6]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals in Underserved Communities Needing Digital Equity
Estimated Size: 21000000
- The bill focuses on achieving digital equity in underserved communities.
- Digital inclusion activities and digital literacy are aimed at individuals without access or who have minimal access to digital tools and skills.
- Federally supported national service programs will be utilized, which typically have broad reach across the nation.
- Global underserved population in terms of internet access can be large given global disparities.
Reasoning
- The policy targets individuals in underserved communities to provide digital equity through national service programs such as AmeriCorps.
- These individuals likely experience benefits in digital literacy and inclusion which can lead to improved well-being.
- Impact will vary based on current access and ability, with expected gains in areas including access to online education, healthcare, and job opportunities.
Simulated Interviews
Student (Rural Alabama)
Age: 22 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Access to better internet and devices would greatly help with my studies.
- I've often had to drive long distances to access reliable internet.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Small business owner (Suburban Texas)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Training in digital tools will help expand my business reach.
- I've seen other shops succeed with online marketing but lack the skills myself.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Unemployed (Urban New York)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I struggle to apply for jobs due to limited internet access.
- Digital skills workshops would better prepare me for the job market.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Retired (Rural Montana)
Age: 65 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I hear about useful online tools but don't know how to use them.
- Training would help me manage telehealth and banking independently.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Teacher (Chicago, Illinois)
Age: 38 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Digital equity can level the playing field for my students.
- With better access, students could perform better academically.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Farm worker (Rural Ohio)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Digital tools would make my life easier, but I don't know where to start.
- Learning these skills would save time and resources.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Social worker (Los Angeles, California)
Age: 28 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Digital equity will empower the families I work with.
- My role would include teaching clients how to access necessary services online.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Part-time Retail Worker (Urban Miami, Florida)
Age: 19 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Access to training and resources would be life-changing for my career aspirations.
- I hope to receive the digital tools needed to learn coding and IT skills.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Retired (Rural Maine)
Age: 72 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 18/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Learning to use digital tools would help keep in touch with family.
- I've missed important family moments because I don't know how to video call.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Mechanic (Rural Idaho)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Access to online courses would help me advance my career.
- I'm excited about the possibility of learning from home.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $1250000000 (Low: $1000000000, High: $1500000000)
Year 2: $1300000000 (Low: $1050000000, High: $1550000000)
Year 3: $1350000000 (Low: $1100000000, High: $1600000000)
Year 5: $1400000000 (Low: $1150000000, High: $1650000000)
Year 10: $1500000000 (Low: $1200000000, High: $1700000000)
Year 100: $1500000000 (Low: $1200000000, High: $1700000000)
Key Considerations
- The initial investment is substantial but necessary for long-term digital inclusivity.
- Revenue impacts include increased tax collection from better informed and employed citizens.
- Broad execution through national service programs leverages existing structures, reducing start-up times.