Matzie: New programs offer help with Internet access, water service
Rep. Robert Matzie January 13, 2022 | 3:10 PM
AMBRIDGE, Jan. 13 – State Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, is reminding residents about two recent programs that can provide eligible households assistance with water and broadband services.
Matzie, who is chairman of the House Consumer Affairs Committee, said the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program can assist households in danger of losing water service.
“For residents facing a risk of having their water services terminated, the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program can provide crisis grants – which do not need to be repaid – directly to the service provider,” Matzie said. “Eligible households can receive up to two $2,500 grants – one for water service and one for wastewater service. I urge anyone with past-due water bills who may be facing a shutoff threat to apply.”
Matzie said a second program – the Affordable Connectivity Program – can help low-income households that are having difficulty paying for Internet service.
“The Affordable Connectivity Program can help eligible households stay connected by providing monthly discounts of up to $30 per month on broadband service,” Matzie said. “With so many important life activities depending on a reliable connection, this is a lifeline no family should have to lose, especially when help is available.”
Matzie said households may be able to qualify for several different programs, and those who are already enrolled in the Federal Communication Commission’s Lifeline program do not have to apply again for the Affordable Connectivity Program, but can reach out to their Internet company directly to enroll in the ACP.
Residents can learn more about the LIHWAP program by visiting this page: https://www.dhs.pa.gov/Services/Assistance/Pages/LIHWAP.aspx; more about the Affordable Connectivity Program by visiting this page: https://acpbenefit.org/how-to-apply/; and more about Lifeline by visiting this page: https://www.whidbeytel.com/faq/lifeline-tribal-link-up/.
Matzie has played a key role in laying the groundwork for expanding reliable, affordable broadband throughout Pennsylvania, first by introducing legislation to put a reliable framework in place for broadband deployment and then working to pass legislation establishing the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority. The new authority is charged with creating a broadband plan and distributing grants for broadband expansion to unserved or underserved areas.