Closing the digital divide one anchor institution at a time.
SHLB Celebrates Historic $7B E-rate Expansion March 10, 2021
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Alicja Johnson
Communications Manager
ajohnson@shlb.org
(202) 263-4626
Washington, D.C. (March 10, 2021) - Today the House voted to send the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 to the President's desk for his signature. The relief package includes over $7 billion for the E-rate program and allows schools and libraries to connect students, teachers, and library patrons to broadband connections off-campus.
John Windhausen Jr., executive director of the Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband (SHLB) Coalition, made the following statement:
“In a word, this legislation is groundbreaking. For many years, schools and libraries tried to help their community-members who lack internet access by extending their own networks to the home. But, E-rate rules and red tape have stood in the way. This legislation gives schools and libraries the legal authority and financial means to solve the homework gap for millions of children and learners of all ages, as these anchors can now choose to purchase broadband service from existing providers or take advantage of the exciting and innovative new wireless solutions to serve their communities. The benefits of this momentous legislation will last for years to come.”
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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.