Closing the digital divide one anchor institution at a time.
SHLB Coalition Statement in Favor of Emergency Educational Connections Act April 21, 2020
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Alicja Johnson
Communications Manager
ajohnson@shlb.org
(202) 263-4626
Washington, D.C. (April 21, 2020) - Today, Representative Grace Meng, D-N.Y., introduced the Emergency Educational Connections Act of 2020. The bill would create a $2 billion fund for schools and libraries to ensure students and patrons have internet access at home, disbursed by the Federal Communications Commission. Senator Ed Markey also announced that he may introduce a companion bill in the Senate.
John Windhausen Jr., executive director of the Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband (SHLB) Coalition, made the following statement:
“Without question, providing internet access to the 7 million students and countless library patrons who do not have broadband at home should be one of our nation’s top priorities during the coronavirus pandemic. Schools and libraries hold the keys to getting everyone connected - they know their communities and have real-world experience with online instruction, hot spots, fiber and other broadband technologies. The E-rate program offers promise as a vehicle for anchors to connect their communities and Tribal lands. We commend Congresswoman Meng and Senator Markey for recognizing that anchor institutions can solve the digital divide with a technology-neutral approach that will provide broadband quickly, effectively, and affordably.”
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About SHLB:
The SHLB Coalition is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) advocacy organization that supports open, affordable, high-quality broadband connections for anchor institutions and their surrounding communities. The SHLB Coalition is based in Washington, D.C. and has a diverse membership of commercial and non-commercial organizations from across the United States. To learn more, visit www.shlb.org.