Dec 18, 2020 | STATESCOOP Illinois will launch a statewide computer refurbishing program to expand the access that low-income residents have to digital services, Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced on Wednesday. The program, called the “Connect Illinois Computer Equity Network,” is currently planning to distribute 20,000 devices across the state, Pritzker said, with more on the way as people and organizations collect their old or unused devices for donation. Illinois’ census data revealed that at least 1.1 million households don’t have a computer, limiting the effectiveness of other digital equity programs that seek to expand broadband access and digital literacy training. If residents have internet and skills but no devices, they’re still not connected, Erin Guthrie, director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, said in a press release