“CoSN, Funds For Learning, SHLB and SETDA applaud Sen. Markey (D-MA) and Rep. Meng (D-NY) for taking the lead on connecting the 7.15 million U.S. families without internet access at home. We encourage Congress to provide $5.25 billion in E-Rate funding to pay for home broadband so that all students, teachers and library patrons can continue their education online. The country is facing an unprecedented crisis that has drastically changed teaching and learning for the foreseeable future. Congressional leaders have an obligation to ensure that students have broadband service at home, that they have devices to engage in online learning, and that the broadband network and individual users are safe and secure.
“Funds For Learning estimates that $5.25 billion in additional federal funding is necessary to meet the needs of learners, teachers and library patrons nationwide. Schools and libraries should also be authorized to use the most cost-effective technologies to solve this problem.
“Congress must act now so that schools are prepared for the new year in September.”
