Maloney Amendment to Support Hudson Valley Libraries Included in House Funding Bill

Press Release

Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney (NY-18) successfully fought to secure millions of dollars for the Institute of Museum and Library Services in the House of Representatives' latest funding package. These funds, which totaled an increase of $10 million, will be used to update technology like Wi-Fi and computers in libraries located in economically-distressed communities. His amendment passed on a bipartisan vote.

"Getting our kids back into safe, in-person classrooms is our top priority; but, until we get this pandemic under control, our new normal still relies heavily on remote learning. That means Hudson Valley students need access to stable internet and up-to-date computers to stay on track. Many will turn to their local libraries, but the technology available is often outdated and unreliable. That's why I fought to provide millions of dollars to our libraries, so they can update their technology and support 21st-century learning for the next generation," said Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney.

In response to the coronavirus pandemic, many schools throughout New York's 18th Congressional District are preparing for a fully-virtual or hybrid (virtual/in-person) learning model this fall, which will require reliable internet and devices for every student. Public libraries offer students and families a safe environment to access this technology at no cost, but many libraries need updates to their technology and resources to meet the demands of the community.

The amendment was included in the House of Representatives' second appropriations package, which funds vital programs and services for the 2021 fiscal year, including projects that support infrastructure development, expand public health, invest in our schools, and fight the opioid epidemic.

Read more about the House of Representatives' second appropriations package here.

Additionally, the Heroes Act, which Rep. Maloney helped pass through the House in May, will dedicate $4 billion in emergency broadband connectivity funding for families nationwide and $1.5 billion in funding through the FCC's E-Rate program to provide students, schools, and libraries hotspots and connectivity devices.

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