SHLB’s First Fly-In in DC

As someone who had never done face-to-face advocacy with 

legislators at a state or federal level, I did not know what I was 

getting into, but between the tremendous coordination efforts of 

SHLB staff and the wide base of support for universal service, it 

was easy to have meaningful conversations with policy makers 

and feel like I was making a difference.    

- A SHLB member who participated in the fly-in.

On April 9, 2025, the Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband Coalition (SHLB) hosted its first fly-in event in Washington, D.C., bringing together over three dozen SHLB members from around the country. A variety of stakeholders from across the broadband sector participated, including schools, libraries, healthcare providers, nonprofits, broadband service providers, and equipment vendors. This event enabled attendees to engage with policymakers and discuss how E-Rate and Rural Health Care, two essential Universal Service Fund programs, support communities.

Why Prioritize the USF?

In recent years, the USF has garnered significant attention, notably due to the prominent FCC v. Consumers' Research case, a Supreme Court case argued in March in which SHLB has taken a leading role. Additionally, a bipartisan, bicameral Congressional working group has been proactive in soliciting public feedback and discussing potential reforms related to the USF. 

Given the rising scrutiny and challenges faced by the USF, SHLB aimed to make congressional members aware of the crucial role this federal funding plays for their constituents. We recognized this as a prime opportunity for our members to visit DC to inform Congress about the USF's functions — its beneficiaries, the funding it provides, and the broad impact of this funding on communities, from improving access to education and healthcare to fostering economic growth and workforce development. 

From Planning to Impact

In the hours leading up to the fly-in, the palpable excitement and anticipation of sharing our powerful messages with Capitol Hill were undeniable. After months of preparation, our event was finally here, offering the chance to amplify SHLB’s united voice on critical matters. 

However, along with this enthusiasm was a touch of anxiety, as this marked SHLB’s inaugural fly-in, with nearly 70 individual meetings scheduled in just one day.

As SHLB members arrived in DC equipped with optimism and compelling stories illustrating the importance of connecting schools, libraries, and healthcare clinics to high-speed internet access, our nervousness quickly dissipated. Ultimately, we realized that the only thing the SHLB team needed to do was provide a platform for our members' voices. The outcome: powerful narratives that garnered tremendous support. 

Showing Up for USF

Needless to say, SHLB members showed up for USF - literally and figuratively.

Our members include many of the most dedicated and thoughtful school, health, and library leaders and stakeholders around the country. They share a commitment and enthusiasm to protecting universal service, coupled with an understanding about the real and pressing threats currently facing anchor institutions.

We had two missions during our fly-in: 

• To (re)educate members of Congress and their staff about the importance of the E-Rate and Rural Health Care programs (and how this funding benefits their communities back home); and 

• To advocate for a predictable, sustainable USF, supported by a dedicated funding stream. We explained that subjecting the USF to congressional appropriations threatens the reliability of the fund.

Millions of people rely on anchor institutions for education, information, health care, and essential services. Our members articulated that without subsidies for internet connectivity, our nation’s schools, libraries, and healthcare facilities would face significant challenges to continue to serve students, library patrons, and the broader community. 

Equipped with their personal stories and program funding data, there was no better deliverer of that message than SHLB members – constituents who live and work in the states and districts of the senators and House members with whom we met.  

We all walked away from the day exhausted but with smiles on our faces as we received widespread positive feedback from congressional offices - who expressed appreciation for our stories and agreement with our position.   

We also left with new connections, both between SHLB staff and members as well as amongst the SHLB members themselves.  Good things certainly do happen when SHLB brings people together.  

And as always, while SHLB members served as the stars of the fly-in, the event would not have been successful without the hard work of the SHLB team including Lauren, Kristen E., and Saskya.

What’s Next?

Following the remarkable success of this year’s fly-in, we have already started preparations for our 2026 fly-in. Additionally, we are creating a public magazine to recap this year’s event, complete with photos, so stay tuned. 

Thanks again! 

Authors: 

Joey Wender, Executive Director, SHLB

Kristen Corra, Policy Counsel, SHLB