Pritzker Presses Feds to Release $1B for Illinois Broadband Expansion

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker is urging U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to approve Illinois’ delayed broadband proposal, which would unlock $1.04 billion to expand high-speed internet access to more than 383,000 residents, mostly in rural areas.

Illinois submitted its BEAD funding proposal more than seven months ago and remains one of only two states still awaiting approval. Pritzker said the delay is holding up 232 broadband construction projects and driving up costs for providers ready to begin work.

In a letter to Lutnick, the governor warned that continued delays are limiting access to telehealth, online education, farming technology and economic opportunities for underserved communities across the state.