Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell wants to see the federal "ConnectHome" program extended to other parts of the state, including the Monroe area.
Campbell says Monroe has the poorest people living in the US, per capita, and no one needs it more than they do.
"We've got children, schools and churches that don't have high speed internet and when they go home they can't do their homework," says Campbell.
The program will provide free or low-cost high-speed internet access to low-income families in 27 cities across the country, including Baton Rouge and New Orleans.
Campbell says his request does not seek to remove Baton Rouge or New Orleans from the program.
"We have more poverty in the Monroe area than Baton Rouge or New Orleans, so it's the most needed part of the state," says Campbell.
Campbell says he will write to President Obama, the Louisiana Congressional Delegation, and others asking that the Louisiana Delta and Monroe be included in the program.
Visit connecthome.hud.gov/pilot for more information about the program and the benefits it gives for those with limited access to internet.
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