Funds will be used to improve technology services at area schools and library
Washington, DC (August 22, 2006) – Congressman Rubén Hinojosa (TX-15) today announced that the 15th Congressional District has received a total of $279,433.39 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.
“Giving our children every tool and resource they need to succeed in the future is of the utmost importance, and needs to be a priority,” said Hinojosa. “The E-Rate program provides area schools and libraries with the latest technologies to ensure that children aren’t left behind as our world becomes more and more interconnected.”
Recipients include:
• Beeville Independent School District – $146,571.57
• Columbus Independent School District – $30,483.71
• La Gloria Independent School District – $15,113.60
• Premont Independent School District – $56,448.00
• Skidmore-Tynan School District – $24,444.32
• Eula and David Wintermann Library – $6,372.19
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.