(WENY) -- Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced her bipartisan legislation to renew the Affordable Connectivity Program. It is a federal program that provides low-cost broadband internet to nearly two million New York State households.  

The program ran out of funding in May of this year, which means over 1.7 million people across the state lost access to this benefit.  

Sen. Gillibrand said people need access to high-speed internet to work remotely, complete online schooling, attend telehealth appointments, and more. The “Secure and Affordable Broadband Extension Act” would provide six billion dollars for the ACP and give families who are in need financial support. 

“It can lead to new business creation, help lower unemployment rates, create jobs, raise property values, and improve life and health outcomes,” Sen. Gillibrand said.  

The senator when on to say she is working to get the act passed because it would provide over two million New Yorkers with the funding, they need to access internet as soon as possible.