Enacts the lifeline expansion act of 2026

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why Cordell Cleare says this is needed

New York's Lifeline Discounted Telephone Service provides a discount on telephone service to low-income New Yorkers. Now, as the cost of living continues to increase, many New Yorkers are struggling to pay for basic necessities, including telephone service. The proposed legislation would expand eligibility to the Lifeline program, lowering telephone bills for working class New Yorkers. Telephone service is a necessity that connects people to first respon- ders, employment opportunities, and their community. If enacted, this legislation would raise the income eligibility threshold for the Life- line program from 135% to 200% of the federal poverty guidelines. This increase would ensure that individuals making under $31,000 per year, and a family of four making under $64,000 per year are eligible for assistance. Expanding eligibility for the Lifeline program would keep New Yorkers connected to their telephone service, and bring down costs for low-income individuals and families. The proposed legislation would also require all telephone service providers to participate in the Lifeline program. Currently, service providers can choose whether or not to offer Lifeline service. By requiring all service providers to participate, gaps in regional avail- ability in the Lifeline program would be filled.

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.