Sanders Joins Booker, Clyburn To Tout Lifeline Overhaul

affordable access to broadband,” the Sanders campaign Twitter account wrote, using the #RightToConnect hashtag affiliated with the event. The Sanders campaign also tweeted out relevant statistics: “36% of Black Americans and 46% of Latin@s don't have a high-speed internet connection at home. They deserve a #RightToConnect.” The campaign on Wednesday also tweeted using the hashtag: “We must narrow the digital divide between Americans who are connected to broadband and those who are not.” Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., and FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn answered questions on Twitter as part of the event. Booker and Sanders are often allied on telecom issues (see 1512220042), but Booker is planning to campaign for Democratic presidential front-runner Hillary Clinton over the weekend. “Reading this tweet is a luxury millions of Americans simply cannot afford,” Clyburn said. Booker cited the first time he got online: “My 1st time: '92, was studying at Oxford, sent an email to an XGF that I was still pinning [sic] after,” Booker replied. “Accessing internet/knowledge of world shouldn't be a privilege for some but a right for the many.” Broadband “can be a pathway out of poverty only if it is accessible and affordable,” Clyburn said. Lifeline must be “dignified” and “offer competitive options and comparable service,” she said. “Public and private sector must work together: training, devices, affordability, and more.” She said state Lifeline programs can help close the affordability gap. FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel also tweeted about the conversation, calling it important. “Pubic [sic] ed is 'free' but provides a HUGE return in economic growth for all,” Booker tweeted. “This is akin to that #RightToConnect.”