Applications for a second round of grants to expand broadband in underserved communities was recently announced, and State Senator Tony Munoz (D-Chicago) is encouraging any group eligible to apply. The eligibility requirements for the second round of funding are largely the same as the previous round. However, the administration has introduced a new exemption allowing a lower non-state match for project proposals concerning economically distressed communities in an effort to allow underserved areas to be competitive when applying for critical infrastructure dollars. Eligible applicants for the second round include internet service providers, rural cooperatives, nonprofits and local governments. Applications will be accepted until the end of February 2021. For more information on the broadband expansion grant and to view the application, please visit the Connect Illinois page <https://www2.illinois.gov/dceo/ConnectIllinois/Pages/default.aspx>.