On November 16, 2017, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted to support proposals promoted by Chairman Ajit Pai which will dramatically curtail the NAACP-supported Lifeline program. Lifeline provides subsidies to low-income Americans so that they can afford communication services, namely telephone connections. Nearly 13 million low-income Americans use Lifeline, only about one-third of those who are eligible for the program. The NAACP has supported Lifeline in numerous resolutions throughout the years.

The “comment” period, by which the FCC accepts input on these proposed changes before making them permanent, is open now through January 24, 2018. Please review the attached Action Alert, which provides you with a summary of the problem, a guide on how to make your voice heard, and a sample letter.