Attorneys general advocate for internet for schools and libraries as FCC considers cuts

Washington led a coalition of 23 attorneys general in filing a comment letter with the Federal Communications Commission today advocating that they maintain the E-Rate program, which provides over $3 billion a year to discount the cost of internet expenses for schools and libraries across the country. 

Washington received more than $40 million through the E-Rate program this year.

In Washington, 218 out of 295 public schools rely on E-Rate funding to set up and maintain high-speed internet access. 

Internet access doesn’t just help students and teachers access educational materials like curriculum, lesson plans, and software. Schools also need the internet for building security, HVAC, food services, and other operations. 

For some school districts, E-Rate represents 90% of their funding for broadband connectivity. If the FCC eliminates, or even diminishes, E-Rate support, it could reduce internet access and lead to cuts in local schools. Such an action would also likely violate federal law as the program was established by Congress.