Federal Government

The single sign-on portal for government benefits and services is set to be expanded to all 50 states. The program was initially piloted in Arkansas in 2022 and has since been adopted by more than 40 federal and state agencies.

The Cybersecurity for Rural Water Systems Act and the Food and Agriculture Industry Cybersecurity Support Act would address vulnerabilities in agricultural systems and help farmers and ranchers prevent and respond to cyber threats.

During a virtual event hosted by the Brookings Institution, experts and lawmakers explored the benefits and risks of AI, as well as the possible regulatory structures that could help guide its advancement.

Tech leaders gathered in Washington, D.C., this past week for public and private meetings with Congress on the future of AI in the U.S. What happened, and what’s next?

In hearings on Capitol Hill, officials from the Department of Veterans Affairs said they remain committed to the troubled computer system, despite uncertainty about when — and if — its problems will be fixed.

Plus, a new module is added to the Broadband Infrastructure Playbook, Virginia is the latest state to release its five-year broadband action plan, and more.

The State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program could send $1 billion from the federal government down to states and cities, but before anyone gets the money, the spending plans must be approved.

Dearborn Heights library director Michael McCaffrey said the grant money from the Department of Education will be spent completely replacing computers and infrastructure in both libraries in the city.

Plus, Oklahoma has launched a new interactive map to track Internet service in the state, Maine has submitted a new broadband plan to the federal government, and more.

CoSN board chair Diane Doersch, also senior IT director for Digital Promise, says ed-tech leaders were relieved at the White House’s recent announcement, but school districts need to enact policies and train staff.

Plus, more than 20 million households have now enrolled in the Affordable Connectivity Program; Sen. Warnock urges the FCC to fight digital discrimination; a bipartisan group in the U.S. House requests ACP extension; and more.

The U.S. Department of Justice has awarded the city of Gary $1 million to purchase additional license plate readers. The technology can be mounted on streetlights, poles and police cars.

During a National Digital Inclusion Alliance webinar last week, experts explored several key tools and dashboards that help make data on the Affordable Connectivity Program more accessible to drive action.

A new report from the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation calls on Congress to take several actions to support digital equity, including sustaining funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program.

Plus, a cross-agency partnership in New Jersey is working to get more residents enrolled in affordable broadband programs, North Carolina is looking for participation in digital equity services, and more.

President Joe Biden this week signed an executive order banning U.S. investments in China’s technology sectors. The move is part of an effort to slow the country’s military and cryptographic advancements.

Five U.S. senators have thrown their support behind a bill that would force certain social media companies to implement a seamless process for visitors to access, save and transfer their data between competing digital platforms.

Plus, the Biden administration works to make it easier for people with disabilities to access public services online; the FCC rolls out more Emergency Connectivity funding for schools; and more.