U.S. Rep. John Moolenaar (R-MI) introduced bipartisan legislation this week that would provide rural households with a tax credit toward their internet access.
The legislation, the Broadening Online Opportunities Through Simple Technologies (BOOST) Act, H.R. 6554, would give families and individuals in rural households a $300 tax credit when they buy a mobile hotspot or a signal booster to connect to the internet.
“My BOOST Act will ensure Michigan families can connect to the internet with their own hotspot or boost the internet speed they currently have. This bipartisan legislation will empower residents in rural areas who have been waiting far too long to have reliable internet in their homes. This is long overdue and will help families sooner rather than later,” Moolenaar said.
Lawmakers said the BOOST Act would allow homeowners or renters in rural areas to claim the tax credit in areas where internet speeds do not meet the 25 megabits per second download and 3 megabits upload speeds. A map of the areas where the tax credit would be applicable from the Federal Communications Commission encompasses areas determined to be eligible for the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund.
“Dependable access to high-speed internet is vital for a whole range of day-to-day activities including individuals teleworking, children doing homework, and families accessing telemedicine,” noted U.S. Rep. Sanford Bishop (D-GA), a cosponsor of the bill. “Through legislation like this we want to help close the gap in rural services and ensure everyone is able to take full advantage of digital resources and fully participate in the 21st century economy.”