TUESDAY TOP NEWS LINKS:
Pat Hernandez, KUHF Public Radio
A federal program that provides a discount on phone service to low income Americans is in danger of being cut or eliminated. The nation’s largest and oldest Hispanic organization warned that any drastic restrictions to the program would hurt around 7 million Hispanics.
Since 1986, the Lifeline program has provided a discount on phone service for qualifying low-income consumers. It was established to ensure that all Americans have the opportunities and security that phone service brings, including being able to connect to jobs, family and emergency service. It was updated in 2008 to include wireless service.
Brent Wilkes is executive director of LULAC, the League of United Latin American Citizens. He says based on estimates of current Hispanic enrollment, cuts or the outright elimination of the Lifeline program would have a huge impact.
“Because of the high unemployment within the Hispanic community, it is more vital than ever to ensure that Hispanics have the means to seek and retain employment. Having a wireless phone can make the difference between someone receiving the call for a job interview, or missing that opportunity all together.”
But the $2.2 billion dollar program has been under attack by the FCC and Republicans. They claim it is riddled with fraud and inefficiencies, in which free phones easily go to people who don’t qualify.
There are currently three bills pending in Congress that would seek to stop the Lifeline program (See bills: H.R.989, S.874, and H.R.176).
(Read and listen to more of this story at KUHF Public Radio)
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