DOGE Cuts Grant To Kansas For Rural Broadband

Last month, DOGE cancelled an $8.2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce that Kansas intended to use for rural broadband, among other efforts. Similar federal grants to other states were also cancelled, reports the Topeka Capital-Journal:

Pat Lowry, a spokesperson for the Kansas Department of Commerce, confirmed the grant cancellation.

“On May 9, 2025, the Kansas Office of Broadband Development received a termination notice from the Trump administration for the Digital Equity Capacity grant program, representing a total loss of $8.1 million,” Lowry said in a statement to The Capital-Journal. “The Digital Equity Capacity program was originally designed to support efforts that improve digital skills, expand access to devices and affordable broadband, enhance civic engagement, promote economic growth.

The Digital Equity Act itself defines covered populations as: rural, disabled, aging, veterans, incarcerated, those with a language barrier/low level of literacy, minorities, and low-income individuals. This termination notice means all Digital Equity Capacity work must cease and no grants will be awarded. These cuts will hinder the office’s ability to provide critical digital services to Kansans all across the state, especially in rural areas.”