The world runs on the internet, but not everyone has access including thousands of Ohioans.

Senator Sherrod Brown says it's a problem that's only grown worse during the coronavirus crisis and now Brown is pushing new legislation as a solution.

"YOU NEED INTERNET TO APPLY FOR UNEMPLOYMENT OR TO ORDER GROCERIES OR TO HAVE A TELEMEDICINE APPOINTMENT," Said Brown. "BUT THOUSANDS OF OHIOANS DON'T HAVE A RELIABLE INTERNET CONNECTION."

Brown is introducing the Emergency Broadband Connection Act.

"IT WOULD GIVE A MONTHLY STIPEND FOR INTERNET ACCESS FOR LOW-INCOME OHIOANS AND OHIOANS WHO ARE LAID OFF BECAUSE OF THE PANDEMIC."

Libraries usually offer computer access but right now many remain closed and others have had to limit the service.

James Wilkins with the Trumbull County Library said, "OUR BIGGEST PROBLEM WE'VE HAD IS SOCIAL DISTANCING KEEPING PEOPLE SAFE A LOT OF OUR COMPUTERS ARE SITTING RIGHT NEXT TO EACH OTHER SO WE CAN'T USE THEM."

Wilkins says they've also had to limit time on the computer to one hour.

"WE HAD AT ONE POINT 26 computers BEFORE ALL THIS HAPPENED AND EVERYTHING WAS GOING SMOOTH, NOW WE HAVE TO REALLY RE-ADJUST EVERYTHING WE'RE DOING AND WE'RE HOPING MAYBE WE HAVE EIGHT operating computers."

Brown's proposed bill would also put devices in households.

"IT WOULD HELP PROVIDE FUNDING FOR COMPUTERS OR LAPTOPS FOR ELIGIBLE HOUSEHOLDS TO ENSURE THESE FAMILIES HAVE THE DEVICES THEY NEED TO LOOK FOR A JOB, COMPLETE HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS Or TO SEE A DOCTOR," said Brown.

Senator Brown says the bill has bipartisan support.