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General Meeting April 17, 2023 access to families with low-incomes at no more than $30 and often ends up being free.The BEAD and Digital Equity programs run through the State. The State of Ohio has been awarded 5 million for a BEAD planning grant and 1.47 million for a DE Planning grant. You can visit Broad band.Ohio.gov to learn more about how the State is using these funds. It is important to note that, "While broadband expansion projects have already increased connectivity across Ohio— improving access to high-speed internet—affordability, access to connected devices and digital literacy gaps have created disparities among communities' use of this vital service. These funds can be used for digital literacy and workforce development as well as infrastructure. YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCILS In attendance at the conference were several Youth Council delegations, many of them in matching jackets, yet still representing the diversity of their cities. In speaking with members of the Hillsboro Youth Advisory Council, I learned that they apply in 8" grade to be appointed by Councilmembers to a 4 year term, and they are supported by a full time staff member. Their Youth Council has not only championed legislation, but they have also helped reach residents with creative communication, including informative videos and social media. HILL DAY Finally, the conference ended with a visit from First Lady Jill Biden, and then our trips to the hill. I joined City leaders from Ohio's 111h District in visiting with our Congresswoman, Shontel Brown and her legislative team, and as Senator Brown was on the floor taking a vote, we met with his Legislative Director Jeremy Hekhuis and Legislative Assistant focusing on Transportation, Drew Martineau. Senator Vance declined to meet with the representatives from Ohio's cities. In both meetings we discussed the need for increased rail safety, which Rep Shontel Brown supports as a sponsor of the bipartisan RAIL ACT in the house, and Senator Brown supports as co-sponsor of the Brown/Vance Railway Safety Act of 2023. 1 advocated for the need for additional federal support for infrastructure, such as Lakewood's IWWIP, which creates cleaner water for all along Lake Erie. Congresswoman Brown and her team were particularly interested in Lakewood's intersectional work to improve safety and address social determinates of health in collaboration with community partners. Senator Brown's team was very interested in Lakewood's study regarding restoring the community circulator, and we discussed opportunities to improve public transportation in Lakewood. It was noted that if any City could reduce our dependency on cars it was Lakewood, and I pointed out how federal support from Senator Brown's office could help us set an example for other cities with the Circulator, bike lanes, and expanded public transportation. I also noted the issues that paratransit users experience, including the RTA website not being accessible for folks with visual disabilities, and they got right on it. Calling me later to follow up.