Political Quotes

“an important step was taken last week in our efforts to assure that America's schools and libraries share in the full power of the Internet. The Federal Communications Commission made its E-rate decision on Friday June 12. To their great credit the commissioners withstood tremendous pressure to end the program and decided to continue funding the discounted rate, the E-rate, but at a reduced level from what was anticipated. The new funding level is an almost 50 percent reduction from what schools and libraries anticipated and planned for based on what the Congress had previously decided. Organizations from around the country are understandably disappointed. Thirty thousand schools and libraries took Congress at its word and submitted significant effort through their applications to the FCC. But in fairness I think the FCC did the best it could with this difficult situation. There are several reasons why the political climate has become so charged. Yes, there is considerable confusion, but the solution is clearly not to end or put a hold on the program. We must recognize that much of this controversy is manufactured based on misunderstanding.”