Washington, D.C. partner John Hetimann was quoted in the CNN article, "How a Supreme Court Case Threatens the ‘Luxury’ of the Internet in Libraries, Schools, and Hospitals," published on March 23. The article focuses on a Supreme Court case that has the potential to significantly impact federal programs that help provide affordable internet access to low-income Americans, particularly in rural areas.

The case centers on the Universal Service Fund (USF), which supports initiatives like Lifeline, a program helping low-income Americans afford internet services. The outcome of the case could have serious implications, potentially cutting billions of dollars from these vital programs essential for low-income households and communities. Advocates for the programs argue that without these funds, rural areas could lose critical access to the internet. The decision, expected in June, could reshape the future of the USF and Internet access across the U.S.

“The impact would be most pronounced and quickest on low-income folks,” said Heitmann to the reporter. “They don’t have the megaphone that corporations have.”

Read the full article here.