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AARP: Gov. Cuomo’s Pocket Veto of High-Speed Internet Bill Makes No Sense in Midst of Pandemic

Portrait of senior man using laptop at home

Comprehensive Broadband Connectivity Act would have provided data to identify gaps in affordability, availability

ALBANY—AARP New York today expressed disappointment at Governor Andrew Cuomo’s pocket veto of the Comprehensive Broadband Connectivity Act (S8805/A6679). The bill would have required a statewide study of high-speed internet accessibility and affordability. Gov. Cuomo failed to sign the legislation this past weekend, resulting in a rare pocket veto.

A statement from AARP State Director Beth Finkel follows:

“Governor Cuomo wants real solutions to help the state recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, so his pocket veto makes no sense when many New Yorkers continue to struggle without access to affordable high-speed internet service.

“The Comprehensive Broadband Connectivity Act would have provided data on the barriers and disparities that exist in service availability and affordability, helping the state connect more New Yorkers to jobs, education, health care and loved ones.

“Accurate data and mapping will be critical companions to the governor’s recent budget proposals to make existing high-speed internet service more affordable for low-income New Yorkers. We urge him to incorporate this important study of current gaps into his FY 2022 budget so all New Yorkers can get connected.”

CONTACT: Jordan McNerney, AARP, jmcnerney@aarp.org, 347-504-3423

Follow us on Twitter: @AARPNY and Facebook: AARP New York.

About AARP

AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence and nearly 38 million members, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation's largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org or follow @AARP and @AARPadvocates on social media.

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