Bill Overview
Title: Digital Equity Foundation Act of 2022
Description: This bill sets out a process for establishing the Foundation for Digital Equity to raise funding for, develop programs and partnerships to, and otherwise support efforts to expand access to broadband internet and promote digital literacy, inclusion, and equity. The bill authorizes the foundation to carry out a range of activities to advance its mission, such as (1) establishing for-profit subsidiaries to stimulate economic development and attract investment partners, and (2) awarding grants.
Sponsors: Rep. Matsui, Doris O. [D-CA-6]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals with limited broadband access or digital literacy
Estimated Size: 30000000
- The bill aims to expand access to broadband internet, affecting individuals in areas with limited or no access.
- The focus on digital literacy suggests an impact on populations lacking skills or knowledge to effectively use digital technologies.
- Promoting digital inclusion and equity implies reaching socio-economically disadvantaged groups.
- Many developing regions, especially in rural or underserved urban areas, have limited broadband access and could benefit globally.
- Efforts to stimulate economic development through digital equity initiatives would primarily influence local populations where programs are implemented.
Reasoning
- The policy aims to benefit individuals with limited internet access, focusing on rural and socio-economically disadvantaged groups.
- A moderate impact is expected on people significantly affected by digital divide issues, such as those in rural areas or lacking digital literacy.
- We anticipate varied levels of impact based on individual circumstances and degree of existing broadband access.
- Urban areas may have lesser immediate impact due to better existing infrastructure but can benefit from digital literacy programs.
- Budget constraints may mean prioritizing communities with the highest need or potential for economic development influence.
Simulated Interviews
Elementary school teacher (Appalachian region, Kentucky)
Age: 42 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think having better internet would really help my students and me.
- I've struggled to include more digital resources in my teaching because of our slow internet.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Software developer (San Francisco, California)
Age: 28 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This won't impact my internet access, but I support efforts to bridge the digital divide.
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 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Unemployed, seeking work (Houston, Texas)
Age: 54 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 6.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I hope this policy creates more digital training programs that I can attend.
- Access to better internet would help me with job applications.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Community college student (Inner city Chicago, Illinois)
Age: 19 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- With better internet, I could complete my assignments faster and access more resources.
- Digital literacy programs could help my family as well.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Farmer (Rural Wyoming)
Age: 37 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I need a better connection to manage and expand my business online.
- This policy sounds like it would help me directly, which is great.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Retired (Phoenix, Arizona)
Age: 68 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I hope it brings digital classes for seniors like me, so I can connect more with family online.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Entry-level IT support (Detroit, Michigan)
Age: 22 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy could really help my friends and community get the tech access I had to find elsewhere.
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 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Financial analyst (New York City, New York)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy won't affect me personally, but it's important for remote areas and less privileged communities.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 9 |
Freelance writer (Rural Washington)
Age: 30 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Faster internet would help me grow my business and consider online courses.
- Digital equity is a huge deal in my area.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Construction worker (Miami, Florida)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I hope this means more chances to learn about new tech for job opportunities.
- Good internet access would also help my kids with school.
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 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $350000000 (Low: $300000000, High: $400000000)
Year 2: $350000000 (Low: $300000000, High: $400000000)
Year 3: $350000000 (Low: $300000000, High: $400000000)
Year 5: $350000000 (Low: $300000000, High: $400000000)
Year 10: $350000000 (Low: $300000000, High: $400000000)
Year 100: $350000000 (Low: $300000000, High: $400000000)
Key Considerations
- The effective implementation of broadband access programs and digital literacy initiatives will greatly affect the policy's cost and benefits.
- Inter-agency coordination is required to integrate digital equity efforts effectively across existing federal, state, and local programs.
- There is a risk that economic developments might not attract sufficient private investment initially, affecting projected outcomes.
- Evaluation of program success over time will be critical in justifying ongoing funding and adjustments.