Miller Statement on Proposed Changes to E-Rate Program
Washington – U.S. Rep. George Miller (D-Calif.), the senior Democrat on the House Education and the Workforce Committee, released the following statement today after the Federal Communication Commission released its proposal for modernizing the E-rate program for schools and libraries.
“I applaud the Federal Communications Commission for taking this first important step to help bring our schools into the 21st century,” said Rep. Miller. “By modernizing the e-Rate program the FCC is ensuring that students across the country have access to digital learning opportunities necessary for their success in the global economy. If we are serious about preparing all of our students to graduate college and career ready, we must improve broadband access, target resources to high-need areas, and increase the transparency and cost-effectiveness of the program so that schools have the infrastructure and tools they need to deliver the competitive digital education every student deserves.”
In February, Rep. Miller introduced the Transforming Education through Technology Act (TETT). The legislation would provide resources to help states and school districts put the best technology in the hands of students and teachers to improve achievement for all children. The bill would support technologies that would, among other things, allow students and teachers to receive real-time feedback, exchange information, and connect instantly with peers beyond school walls.
Established in 1997, the E-rate program was created to ensure that all eligible schools and libraries have affordable access to modern telecommunications and information services. The E-rate provides discounts of 20 percent to 90 percent for eligible telecommunications services, depending on economic need and location (urban or rural). Non-profit private schools – along with public schools, and libraries – can receive discounted telecommunications services through the E-rate program.
Learn more about the Transforming Education through Technology Act.
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