Imagine life without Internet

[Commentary] The divide between Americans who have access and those left behind is too great. But this divide can be bridged with the Federal Communications Commission's recent proposal to expand the Lifeline program to include broadband. The Lifeline program was established in 1985 under President Ronald Reagan to help low-income Americans have access to affordable communications. Under President George W. Bush, the program was updated to include both wireline and wireless technology. It's time to bring it up to date again. The FCC is on the right track as it explores new ways to modernize the program.

Research shows that broadband adoption in the home improves household income, leads to more employment opportunities and increases independence. And strong, thriving households lead to strong, thriving communities. Access to broadband also has implications for democracy. It lets people join conversations that directly impact their own communities. Increasingly, communities of color rely on broadband services to mobilize powerful movements and public voices on important issues such as immigration and the rights of low-wage workers. Groups such as Color of Change and Voto Latino come immediately to mind. Expanding the Lifeline program to include broadband would further elevate underrepresented voices and spur civic engagement. This is exactly what our country needs to help close the digital divide and ensure that everyone -- no matter who they are or where they live -- has a chance to improve their life and provide for their loved ones. The FCC gets this. We understood this under President Reagan's administration and President George W. Bush's administration. Now it's up to our current policymakers to back this up, too.