Alisa Valentin, PhD
@alisavalentin.bsky.social
Tech & Telecom Policy Advocate for Social Justice| Aspiring Home Holiday Decorator 🎄
What if broadband policy started with people in need, rather than in Washington? Justin Hendrix talks with Public Knowledge's Alisa Valentin and UnidosUS's Claudia Ruiz about their new in-depth report centering the households stranded on the wrong side of the digital divide.
Imagining Broadband Policy of, by, and for the People
A conversation with Alisa Valentin, broadband policy director at Public Knowledge, and Claudia Ruiz, senior civil rights policy advisor at UnidosUS.
buff.ly
Democracy depends on a free press and the preservation of free expression through all communication technologies as much as it depends on a stable economy. The Supreme Court's decision puts at risk how Congress intended independent agencies to function in American democracy. 🧵
Me listening to @repdarrensoto.bsky.social give the receipts on the BEAD program delays:
Receipt Proof
ALT: Receipt Proof
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The House Energy and Commerce/Comms & Tech subcommittee oversight hearing of NTIA has begun. For years, we've had to hear the Rs complain about delays, and yet this agency doesn't even have a "concept of a plan" for the $21 billion BEAD non-deployment funds, and today's date is June 30, 2026.
Mr Bean: Rowan Atkinson Waiting
ALT: Mr Bean: Rowan Atkinson Waiting
static.klipy.com
Join Claudia Ruiz @weareunidosus.bsky.social, @alisavalentin.bsky.social, Gina Cooper Benjamin at NDIA, + more on July 1 at 1PM ET for a @bentoninstitute.bsky.social webinar on how affordable, reliable high-speed internet is necessary to participate in modern-day life. www.benton.org/event/bluepr...
The Blueprint for Equitable Digital Participation
Join the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society on July 1 at 1:00 p.m. ET for a webinar about how affordable, reliable high-speed internet is a foundational prerequisite for participation in modern-...
benton.org
"Congress should be concerned that this FCC is getting ahead of its efforts to modernize USF programs by creating misleading narratives and distorting the debate." — Public Knowledge Broadband Policy Director @alisavalentin.bsky.social in @arstechnica.com: arstechnica.com/tech-policy/...
FCC may kill $2B program that connects schools and libraries to Internet
Carr cites screen time concerns, is accused of trying to be "the nation’s parent."
arstechnica.com
“It is troubling to see that this NPRM includes questions about the E-Rate program’s existence alongside questions about if the program should be limited to support rural communities only.” Read our statement from Broadband Policy Director @alisavalentin.bsky.social:
Public Knowledge Opposes Efforts To Undermine Schools and Libraries Connectivity Program
Public Knowledge promotes freedom of expression, an open internet, and access to affordable communications tools and creative works. We work to shape policy.
publicknowledge.org
We're proud to announce the release of our latest paper, "The Blueprint for Equitable Digital Participation," by @publicknowledge.bsky.social Broadband Policy Director @alisavalentin.bsky.social & @weareunidosus.bsky.socialSenior Civil Rights Policy Advisor Claudia Ruiz, in collaboration with NDIA!
@publicknowledge.bsky.social applauds Sen. Luján and Rep. Matsui for championing those who need devices and training to participate in our digital world. Read our statement from Broadband Policy Director @alisavalentin.bsky.social at the link below: publicknowledge.org/public-knowl...
Public Knowledge Welcomes Bill To Advance Digital Equity, Help Close Digital Divide
Public Knowledge promotes freedom of expression, an open internet, and access to affordable communications tools and creative works. We work to shape policy.
publicknowledge.org
🎉 Today, @lujan.senate.gov and @markey.senate.gov introduced the “Digital Opportunity Foundation Act” to establish a nonprofit foundation to help close the #digitaldivide by leveraging public and private investments. @dorismatsui.bsky.social introduced a companion bill in the U.S. House.
At the @civilrightsorg.bsky.social Tech Convening breakout on the FCC titled "Can They Do That?" talking about all the controversial things this FCC is doing to censor people, bully a free press, & harm communities. h/t to PK's @alisavalentin.bsky.social, panel moderator
Disney's experience with the FCC has made one thing undeniable for any company facing the same pressure. You cannot buy this administration's favor. For the right price, you can only borrow it. And the price always goes up.
The Wall Street Journal@wsj.com · 3mo agoExclusive: ABC has been a victim of a “sustained, coordinated campaign of censorship and control” by the Trump administration, FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez told Disney, the network’s parent company.
Today marks one year since Trump “declared” the end of the #DigitalEquity Act, cutting access to internet, work & school opportunities, and essential services, particularly in the Black Rural South. Call your local officials to preserve vital funding that closes the #DigitalDivide (link below).
If we want America to lead in AI, we must first ensure every American can participate in the digital economy. Investments in digital skilling and AI leadership are fundamentally connected. Keep Digital Equity Act Grants protected. #AILeadership
One year ago, this administration walked away from a bipartisan commitment to help connect every American, regardless of income, zip code, or language. You can't lead in AI with a workforce locked out of the digital economy. It is time to restore Digital Equity Act funding now.
Public Knowledge@publicknowledge.bsky.social · 3mo agoThe Trump administration's anti-civil rights agenda has landed the Digital Equity Act in its crosshairs — but the fight isn't over yet. Read the latest from Broadband Policy Director @alisavalentin.bsky.social: publicknowledge.org/inequity-is-...
Great thread from our 2023 Donald H. McGannon Award winner @alisavalentin.bsky.social on the importance of the Digital Equity Act ⬇️ #SaveDigitalEquity #ProtectDigitalEquity
Alisa Valentin, PhD@alisavalentin.bsky.social · 3mo ago🧵 We must be clear-eyed in how we assess and respond to the moment we face as a country. The first step is to be honest. The Trump administration has undeniably demonstrated through rhetoric and actions its desire to deepen the suffering of Black people and other people of color here and abroad.
🧵 We must be clear-eyed in how we assess and respond to the moment we face as a country. The first step is to be honest. The Trump administration has undeniably demonstrated through rhetoric and actions its desire to deepen the suffering of Black people and other people of color here and abroad.
The late Representative John Lewis once said access to the internet is the "civil rights issue of the 21st century”. Join us today as we call on lawmakers to act to #SaveDigitalEquity and protect our digital future.
These actions risk the loss of critical funding to provide the training, resources and skills necessary for rural, low-income, and minority communities to be competitive in an increasingly digital and AI-driven world. The time to act is now.
The Digital Equity Act passed Congress in 2021 as part of the #IIJA, allocating $2.75 billion to expand affordable, reliable broadband connectivity across the nation. But in May 2025, President Trump unlawfully cancelled the program in a Truth Social post, calling it "racist and illegal".
Communities cannot benefit from broadband infrastructure they cannot access, afford, or use. OTI's @jessicadine.bsky.social emphasized this in her @techpolicypress.bsky.social op-ed on the Digital Equity Act. #SaveDigitalEquity https://bit.ly/4tlVtIO
Trump's Cancellation of Digital Equity Act Programs Will Perpetuate the Digital Divide
Ending DEA programs isn’t putting America first; it’s pulling out of a critical global race and wasting taxpayer dollars in the process, writes Jessica Dine.
bit.ly
A year ago, President Trump abruptly “canceled” the Digital Equity Act for being a “woke handout.” The DEA directed funding to states, territories, & community organizations to address the #DigitalDivide. 1/2 #SaveDigitalEquity #SaveBEAD #SaveDEA www.benton.org/blog/digital...
The Digital Equity Act Is About Universal, Meaningful Connectivity
A year ago today, President Trump abruptly “canceled” the Digital Equity Act (DEA) for being a “woke handout.” He's wrong.
benton.org
One year ago, the Digital Equity Act was illegally canceled via a social media post. The Digital Equity Act funds orgs that help people get online and stay online. #SaveDigitalEquity
OTI hosted an event featuring first-hand accounts of why the Digital Equity Act (DEA) is needed. The programs that DEA funding would have supported are what make America's investment in broadband infrastructure worthwhile. #SaveDigitalEquity https://bit.ly/4whPasx
Why Broadband Adoption Matters and the Programs That Make It Happen
bit.ly
National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) affiliates remind us that digital inclusion work has never been fueled by one policy or program, but by every person who works toward digital equity in their communities. #SaveDigitalEquity #SaveBEAD #SaveDEA www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/the-dig...
The Digital Equity Act One Year Later - National Digital Inclusion Alliance
Friday, May 8th, 2026, is exactly one year since the President canceled the Digital Equity Act (DEA). Join us from May 8-June 8 for a DEA Month of Action to raise awareness on the community and organi...
digitalinclusion.org
The Trump administration's anti-civil rights agenda has landed the Digital Equity Act in its crosshairs — but the fight isn't over yet. Read the latest from Broadband Policy Director @alisavalentin.bsky.social: publicknowledge.org/inequity-is-...
Inequity is Not Inevitable: Save the Digital Equity Act
Public Knowledge promotes freedom of expression, an open internet, and access to affordable communications tools and creative works. We work to shape policy.
publicknowledge.org
Today, a federal appeals court vacated the Federal Communications Commission's digital discrimination rule, finding that the agency had exceeded its authority. Read our statement from Legal Director @bergmayer.net:
Public Knowledge Condemns Eighth Circuit Decision Vacating FCC’s Digital Discrimination Rule
A federal appeals court vacated the FCC's digital discrimination rule, finding that the agency exceeded its authority.
publicknowledge.org
*checks mail *gets another ticket for allegedly not stopping long enough before the white line before making a right turn *a very expensive coffee and cookie run strikes again
a man in a suit and tie is sitting at a desk with a pen in his hand
ALT: a man in a suit and tie is sitting at a desk with a pen in his hand
media.tenor.com
@publicknowledge.bsky.social is a proud partner of #LocalNewsDay – a national day of action to celebrate and strengthen trusted local news and information. Are you subscribed to your local newspaper yet? Find your local newspaper here: localnewsday.org/newsrooms/
