Elsa Public Library Receives E-Rate Grant

Elsa Public Library Receives E-Rate Grant

Congressman Rubén Hinojosa (TX-15) today announced that the Elsa Public Library has received a total of $93,795.44 in funding under the E-Rate program, which provides discounts between 20 and 90 percent to schools and libraries for the cost of education technology (Internet Access and Telecom Services). The funding represents discounts schools will receive for specific technology needs, including Internet services and access, telecommunications, and internal connections needed to bring information straight to schools and libraries.

"For many, libraries provide the only place where they can access the Internet and new technologies," said Hinojosa. "In a 21st century world we must ensure that our communities have the telecommunication and technological capabilities to help individuals keep up with the rest of the country in an ever-increasing global economy."

The E-Rate program will provide more than $2.1 billion in discounts to tens of thousands of schools, with the costs being covered by the Universal Service Fund, until the fund is exhausted. The E-Rate's first funding priority is for telecommunications services and Internet access, and the second funding priority is for internal connections and wiring at schools and libraries.

http://hinojosa.house.gov/news/pressrelease.cfm?id=842