Luis Acuña, Senior Policy Advisor

luis.acuna@texas2036.org

Posts

What ARPA Means for Texas Broadband Expansion

March 16, 2021

Last week, President Biden signed into law the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA), a $1.9 trillion federal stimulus package. Those funds include a significant amount that Texas can leverage to address critical issues like digital connectivity. For example: Broadband Infrastructure is an authorized use for Coronavirus State and Local Recovery Funds. It’s estimated that...

Statewide Broadband Could Add Billions to Texas Economy

February 10, 2021

As the legislature considers how to expand broadband access to all Texans, much of the discussion has focused on the immediate impacts of broadband connectivity. What were once considered luxuries – telemedicine, remote learning, and working from home – have become necessities for many. A lack of adequate digital connectivity puts one at a distinct disadvantage...

New Federal Money Will Help, But Won’t Close Digital Divide Without More State Action

December 14, 2020

Over the next decade, almost two dozen broadband companies operating in Texas will be able to draw on $362 million from the federal government to invest in our state’s rural broadband infrastructure with the goal of connecting more than 300,000 Texas homes and businesses. Current expectations are that 40% of this new broadband infrastructure will be...

Governor’s Broadband Development Council Recommendations a Good First Step

November 3, 2020

The Governor’s Broadband Development Council submitted its first report to the Texas Legislature on Sunday, recommending the creation of a state broadband plan and a state broadband office. The council indicated a state broadband funding program could benefit Texas and recommends its continued study, and alluded to other potential solutions under consideration including digital literacy...