News - March 6, 2021

INCOMPAS Statement on Relief Package, E-Rate Funding and Broadband Infrastructure

WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 6, 2021) – The U.S. Senate has passed the Coronavirus Relief Package, which includes the Emergency Educational Connections Act, making available more than $7 billion in funding for expansion of the E-Rate program and $10 billion for extending broadband.

In response, Chip Pickering, CEO of INCOMPAS released the following statement:

“Throughout the pandemic, internet connectivity has been a saving grace for kids, teachers and families fighting to continue their education. But for the millions of students trapped on the wrong side of the digital divide the homework gap has made it harder, if not impossible, to continue their education.  This is a wrong that should never happen again in our country, and I am pleased to see Congress take action to extend and expand E-Rate and invest in extending broadband.

“Every penny invested in stronger, faster, more affordable broadband infrastructure has the potential to unlock a better future for our students and our economy. We wish to thank and commend Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Congresswoman Grace Meng (D-N.Y.) and many others who fought to include the Emergency Educational Connections Act in the relief package and Senators Angus King (I-Maine) and Senator Warner (D-Va.) for their leadership on broadband infrastructure. It is an achievement that will improve the lives of millions of students and families throughout the U.S. today and tomorrow.”