AARP supports passage of Alabama Constitutional Amendment 2 to fund broadband expansion in Alabama

For many Alabamians, access to high-speed internet, also known as broadband, is not available where they live and work. AARP Alabama believes that affordable and reliable high-speed internet is no longer a luxury, it is a necessity – a necessity that can help Alabamians learn, find work, do their jobs and stay healthy. It connects older Alabamians with their family and friends and helps them remain independent. Just as importantly, high-speed internet is necessary for local businesses to prosper.

Soon, Alabamians could get high-speed internet where they work and live if Amendment 2, the Alabama Broadband Internet Infrastructure Funding Amendment passes on November 8. This amendment to the state constitution will allow local governments to use federal dollars, not any state taxes, to help expand access to high-speed internet services to all Alabamians.

The amendment builds on the Alabama Connectivity Plan signed by Governor Kay Ivey in December 2021 and was proposed by State Sen. Clay Scofield and State Rep. Randall Shedd who co-chair the state’s Broadband Expansion Authority.

Passage of Amendment 2 is needed to make sure that everyone in Alabama, no matter where they live, has access to affordable and reliable high-speed internet. Along with targeted federal funding, including $191 million allocated to Alabama in the American Rescue Plan Act, this change could make a huge difference for Alabama. While it’s just the starting point, an update to the Alabama constitution will allow local cities and counties to work with private internet service providers to bring high-speed internet service to unserved and underserved communities.

AARP Alabama, on behalf of our more than 420,000 members and people over 50 and their families, supports Amendment 2. By bringing these important funds to all Alabama communities, everyone and every business could benefit from the expanded availability of affordable and reliable high-speed internet.