A state Assemblyman wants to see the state offer free cable and internet to residents of public housing in the state.

Assemblyman Brian Cunningham, D-Brooklyn, introduced A.7837 to create the Empire Connect program in the state’s Public Service Law. It would require each internet service provider and cable television company in a municipality to provide basic high-speed internet and cable to each residential dwelling that is owned or managed by a municipal public housing authority. Providers would not be allowed to pass the cost on to customers’ bills, with the cost to public housing residents being zero.

Instead, the state Public Service Commission would be called upon to establish and manage a cable and high-speed internet service abatement fund to reimburse service providers.

“Federal and municipal governments have established affordable connectivity programs to ensure that low-income customers and residents of public housing have internet access,” Cunningham wrote in his legislative justification. “It is New York state’s turn to take this step towards closing the digital divide. Empire Connect will offer basic high-speed internet and cable for free to public housing residents. Paid upgrades will be available. Broadband is necessary for work, school, social services, and more, and should be viewed as a need rather than a luxury.”

Jamestown recently hired a contractor for two years to serve as the city’s communications coordinator and digital equity coordinator to spread the word about the federal Affordable Connectivity Program, which provides up to $30 a month toward internet service for eligible households. Most providers have low-cost internet options available, though Gov. Andrew Cuomo had proposed a $15 a month broadband plan for low-income families back in 2021.

Cunningham isn’t the only New York City-area legislator to propose free internet. State Sen. Alessandra Biaggi, D-New York City, proposed in 2020 to amend the state Social Services Law to require any homeless shelter overseen by the state Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance provide internet access. Similar legislation has been introduced in the past two legislative sessions but has not made it out of committee in the Assembly. The most recent iteration of the bill, sponsored by Assemblywoman Karines Reyes and Sen. Kristen Gonzalez, makes homeless shelters eligible for ConnectAll program funding. S4561 passed the state Senate during the last session by a 44-18 vote with Sen. George Borrello, R-Sunset Bay, voting against.