SENATE DEMOCRATS ARE INTRODUCING LEGISLATION TO HELP BRING HIGH SPEED INTERNET TO MORE STUDENTS IN RURAL AREAS. >>>
SENATOR ANDY MANAR OF BUNKER HILL SAYS NEARLY 90 THOUSAND STUDENTS AT ABOUT 100 RURAL SCHOOLS DON’T HAVE ACCESS TO HIGH SPEED INTERNET.

“Many students can’t do what so many others take for granted...stream educational videos, participate in online testing, play games. It brings opportunity to all children when it comes to learning, “ Manar said.

MANAR SAYS HIS BILL CALLS FOR BROADBAND INFRASTRUCTURE TO BE PUT IN AT THESE SCHOOLS. THE PROJECT WOULD BE A ONE-TIME EXPENSE AND PAID FOR WITH 16 MILLION IN STATE FUNDS AND BY LEVERAGING FEDERAL MATCHING DOLLARS.

THE BILL CALLS FOR BROADBAND INFRASTRUCTURE TO BE PUT IN AT RURAL SCHOOLS IN ILLINOIS. THE PROJECT WOULD BE A ONE-TIME EXPENSE OF 16 MILLION DOLLARS TO THE STATE, WITH FEDERAL MATCHING FUNDS PICKING UP THE REST OF THE TAB. IT’S SUPPORTED BY SENATOR JENNIFER BERTINO-TARRANT OF PLAINFIELD.

“Without broadband, students lack that opportunity and access for quality education just because of geographic location,” according to Bertino-Tarrant.

BILL SPONSORS SAYS NEARLY 90 THOUSAND STUDENTS IN ABOUT 100 RURAL SCHOOLS IN ILLINOIS DO NOT HAVE ACCESS TO HIGH SPEED INTERNET. {IRN}

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