Miller Statement on Obama's Plan to Invest in High-Speed Internet Access for Schools
Statement
U.S. Rep. George Miller (D-Calif.), the senior Democrat on the House Education and the Workforce Committee, released the following statement to applaud President Obama's announcement that the FCC will be investing $2 billion in the E-Rate program, which will give more than 20 million students high-speed broadband access over the next two years. To highlight the need to make the latest technology available to teachers and children across the country, Rep. Miller will also be joining a panel of fellow experts to discuss technology in education tomorrow as part of Digital Learning Day, a national campaign to promote digital literacy and spotlight successful instructional technology practices in the classroom.
"The digital divide still prevents too many students from accessing the latest educational tools and resources necessary to compete in the global economy. This is a divide between rich schools and poor schools, one that reflects the larger problems of inequality in our schools. When there's a gap in access to technological resources, there is a gap in the opportunities that kids have to achieve now and into the future. It is vital that we close this gap.
"President Obama is taking a major step by making this $2 billion down payment toward our goal of providing broadband access for all schools. Next we must build on this commitment by increasing our investment in E-Rate to ensure that we are able to give all students and all schools the infrastructure and tools they need.
"It's also time for Congress to act by passing my Transforming Education through Technology Act, which would help speed the adoption of innovative digital tools to improve student outcomes, close achievement gaps, boost educator skills, and improve efficiency and productivity. By working together, we can bring our schools into the 21st century, upgrade the skills of our nation's teachers, and prepare students for high-growth, high-demand jobs in the global economy."
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