State Senator Alessandra Biaggi and Assemblymember Karines Reyes are pushing for legislation that would provide internet access in all homeless shelters across New York State, as reported by the Bronx Times.

As the result of litigation brought by The Legal Aid Society and pro bono partners Milbank LLP, New York City was recently required to install wireless internet in over 240 shelters housing more than 11,000 school-aged children across the five boroughs. The newly proposed law would expand access to all shelters statewide.

WiFi capacity in shelters helps bridge the digital divide. Reliable access to the internet grants New Yorkers residing in shelters access to resources and public benefits and gives them the ability to search for permanent housing and employment.

“Denying homeless New Yorkers access to WiFi only perpetuates a digital divide that keeps low-income communities and communities of color unable to achieve economic and social mobility,” said Shams DaBaron, a homeless rights advocate who is supporting the new bill.