CoSN CEO Keith Krueger and SETDA Executive Director Candice Dodson today issued the following statement on the introduction of the Emergency Educational Connections Act of 2020 in the U.S. House of Representatives and the possibility of a similar bill in the U.S. Senate:
“CoSN applauds Rep. Meng (D-NY) for acting to close the ‘Homework Gap’ and championing the Emergency Educational Connections Act of 2020 in the House, as well as Sen. Markey (D-MA) for planning to follow suit in the Senate.
“SETDA commends Rep. Meng and Sen. Markey for leading the way to ensure that all students have access to broadband at home for learning. Our members strongly agree that emergency funding is needed to close the ‘Homework Gap’ for rural and low-income families.
“The bill’s proposed investment in at-home broadband internet connectivity for students and teachers comes at a critical juncture, as school districts move all learning online due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Every student deserves to have the secure internet access and devices required to learn from home. There are far too many U.S. families in rural areas and low-income communities who do not. These students are now disconnected from their teachers and peers, and are at risk of falling behind.
“Congress has the opportunity to right this wrong and should join Rep. Meng and Sen. Markey to meet this urgent need by providing the Federal Communications Commission’s E-Rate program with the initial funding required to begin addressing this disparity.
MEDIA CONTACTS
For CoSN: Heidi Payter, hpayter@fratelli.com, 202-822-9491
For SETDA: Candice Dodson, cdodson@setda.org, 202-715-6636 x700
About CoSN
CoSN (the Consortium for School Networking) is the premier professional association for school system technology leaders. CoSN provides thought leadership resources, community best practices and advocacy tools to help leaders succeed in the digital transformation. CoSN represents over 13 million students in school districts nationwide and continues to grow as a powerful and influential voice in K-12 education. cosn.org
About SETDA
The State Educational Technology Directors Association (SETDA) is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit membership association launched by state education agency leaders in 2001 to serve, support and represent their emerging interests and needs with respect to the use of technology for teaching, learning, and school operations. setda.org