Pritzker Urges Trump Administration To Approve Illinois’ Broadband Expansion Plan

Governor J.B. Pritzker is calling on the Trump administration to greenlight Illinois’s bid for over one billion dollars in federal funding aimed at expanding broadband access. In a letter to U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, Pritzker emphasized the potential impact for over 383,000 Illinois residents currently lacking reliable internet. Illinois and California now stand as the only two states still waiting for approval under this federal program. State officials say the expanded access is critical for remote learning, telehealth, and economic development, particularly in rural areas. The outcome could reshape connectivity for communities statewide.