The latest COVID-19 aid package, part of a budget reconciliation package, has an additional $7 billion-plus for broadband connectivity, targeted for E-rate student connectivity during the pandemic.
Also Read: COVID-19 Bill Includes Billions for E-Rate
That is in addition to the $3.2 billion in emergency broadband funding, including for remote learners, in the most recent COVID-19 aid bill passed last December.
The new money goes to provide Wi-Fi hotspots, modems, routers, devices and service to schools and libraries and their students--including those studying from home--staff and patrons.
That $7.2 billion was introduced as the Emergency Educational Connections Act back in May by some top Senate Democrats and House members Those legislators--Sens. Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) and Rep. Grace Meng (D-N.Y.)-- were understandably pleased.
Also Read: Dems Push Billions for Distance Learning
“We are excited to see our legislation that funds K-12 distance learning included in the latest coronavirus relief package unveiled by the House of Representatives,” they said in a joint statement. “The reconciliation package reflects what we all know: that we cannot afford to wait another day to connect online our nation’s most vulnerable children to their teachers and classmates and to ensure the ‘homework gap’ does not continue to grow into a damaging learning and opportunity gap as the pandemic continues. We call on our colleagues in both the Senate and House to include this funding in the final package and quickly send it to President Biden’s desk for his signature.”
“This funding is critical as millions of families continue to rely on an internet connection as children learn from home," said Jonathan Schwantes, senior policy counsel for Consumer Reports. "Closing the digital divide and homework gap is more important than ever as low-income families struggle to keep up with a lack of digital resources. Children should not have to sit in a parking lot to complete their homework because they lack access to the internet at home.”
