Gov. Pritzker Urges Trump Administration to Approve Broadband Expansion Plan
In new letter to Commerce Secretary Lutnick, Governor Pritzker calls for release of $1 billion to connect more than 383,000 Illinoisians to high-speed internet access
May 12, 2026
CHICAGO – Today, Governor JB Pritzker urged U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick to promptly approve Illinois’ Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Final Proposal, which would deliver $1.04 billion in federal funding to expand broadband access to more than 383,000 Illinois residents, the vast majority living in rural communities. Illinois and California are the only two states awaiting approval.
“Service providers are ready to get shovels in the ground on 232 construction projects to connect Illinois homes and businesses,” Governor JB Pritzker wrote. “With each passing day, progress is stalled, costs rise and the financial impact for providers continue to grow as they wait for these critical projects to move forward. All of this breaks your promise to get Americans connected faster and stands in the way of economic progress and prosperity for impacted families and business owners.”
In a letter to Secretary Lutnick, Gov. Pritzker raised concerns over the prolonged delay in approving Illinois’ proposal. Despite the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s (NTIA) stated policy of completing reviews within 90 days of submission, Illinois has been waiting for more than seven months for approval. Illinois submitted its Final Proposal to the U.S. Department of Commerce more than seven months ago on September 30, 2025.
Gov. Pritzker warned that the delay is stalling critical infrastructure projects and creating uncertainty for providers prepared to begin work across the state. Illinois currently has 232 broadband construction projects ready to move forward. Gov. Pritzker also emphasized that rural Illinois families, schools, libraries, hospitals, farmers, students, and small businesses are paying the price for the continued delay. More than 383,000 Illinoisans remain without reliable broadband access, limiting access to telehealth, online education, modern agricultural tools, workforce opportunities, and digital commerce.
The Governor also stressed that each day without approval increases project costs and risks slowing economic growth in communities that need investment most. He argued that withholding approval undermines the Administration’s stated goal of connecting Americans faster and expanding economic opportunity nationwide.
Read the full letter below.
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