MATSUI, LUJÁN REINTRODUCE LEGISLATION TO CLOSE DIVIDE ON DIGITAL EQUITY, INCLUSION, AND LITERACY
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, CongresswomanDoris Matsui (D-CA) and U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) led Representatives Anna Eshoo (D-CA), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Adam Smith (D-WA), Troy Carter (D-LA), and Raul Grijalva (D-AZ) as well as U.S. Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), and Dick Durbin (D-IL) to reintroduce the Digital Equity Foundation Act, legislation to establish a nonprofit foundation that would channel public and private investments into making progress in closing the divide on digital equity, digital inclusion, and digital literacy.
This Foundation will supplement the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the Federal Communication Commission’s (FCC) work to award grants, support research, provide training and education, engage with stakeholders, collect data, and promote policies to improve digital equity outcomes. The Foundation will be run by a board of experts specializing in the fields of digital equity, technology, and telecommunications, and will represent diverse communities throughout the U.S.
Congressionally-established nonprofit foundations have had great success in supporting the missions of various government agencies, including the National Institutions of Health (NIH), U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the National Park Service (NPS), and provide a mechanism to leverage public-private partnerships and support innovation. As the NTIA works to implement the broadband programs in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and connect our country, the Digital Equity Foundation will be vital to ensuring the most vulnerable communities have the knowledge and skills to take full advantage of these new connections.
“From our children’s performance in school, to our ability to find work, persistent inequities in digital access and literacy have far reaching consequences for American families,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “Across the country in cities and rural towns, millions still lack access to the resources and skills necessary to succeed in the 21st century economy. That’s why equity must be a central pillar of our long-term solutions. The Digital Equity Foundation Act will establish a powerful new tool that addresses these historical access barriers and lifts up underserved communities. This legislation will jumpstart us down the road to lasting digital equity and inclusion nationwide.”
“In the 21st century, digital skills are vital for success for students, entrepreneurs, and all Americans. Establishing a nonprofit foundation to drive investments to close the divide on digital equity, inclusion, and literacy will equip Americans with useful skills and knowledge,” said Senator Luján. “I’m proud to reintroduce this legislation to bring more Americans online and make the most of access to the internet.”
This legislation is endorsed by the Open Technology Institute at New America, Public Knowledge, The Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband (SHLB) Coalition, the Center for Rural Strategies, the PtP Initiative, the National Hispanic Media Coalition, Common Sense Media, Consumer Reports, the American Library Association, the National Digital Inclusion Alliance, Common Cause, the United Church of Christ Media Justice Ministry, the National Consumer Law Center, and NextGen California.
“We commend Senator Luján, Representative Matsui and the other co-sponsors for recognizing that without sustained investments in digital adoption and inclusion efforts at the community level, the huge new investments in broadband infrastructure and affordability won’t close the digital divide. A Digital Equity Foundation dedicated to this work and funded by future spectrum auctions, will provide a sustainable way to tackle this part of the digital divide,” said Michael Calabrese, Director, Wireless Future, Open Technology Institute at New America.
“Digital literacy, digital skills training, and access to devices are barriers to broadband adoption for many people throughout the country. They are also challenges for which there is no long term funding. Sen. Luján and Rep. Matsui's Digital Equity Foundation Act would address that omission in our broadband policy by funding local efforts to support schoolchildren, older adults, veterans and others who need devices and training so they have the essential tools needed to fully participate in our society. We thank Sen. Luján and Rep. Matsui for their leadership on this effort and look forward to working to get the Digital Equity Foundation Act enacted this year,” said Greg Guice, Director of Government Affairs, Public Knowledge.
Additional quotes from endorsing organizations are available HERE.
Full text of the bill is availableHERE.
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