Thomas Daschle: “as a cosponsor of the New Millennium Classrooms Act, introduced by Senators Abraham and Wyden, I am very pleased the…”

“as a cosponsor of the New Millennium Classrooms Act, introduced by Senators Abraham and Wyden, I am very pleased the Senate adopted this provision to encourage computer donations to schools. While I oppose the underlying bill, and believe the magnitude of the Republican tax cut is irresponsible, I do support a more reasonable level of tax relief with provisions targeted to address national needs. This provision, which has strong bipartisan support, meets that test. I would also like to point out that Senator Baucus sponsored a similar provision that was part of the Democratic alternative considered earlier. Technology is playing an increasingly important role in our society, in homes, in businesses, and in many aspects of everyday life. Employers will require increasingly sophisticated levels of technological literacy in the workplace of the 21st Century. Education Secretary Riley has pointed out that we can expect 70 percent growth in computer and technology-related jobs in the next 6 years. Yet, a recent U.S. Department of Commerce report, "Falling Through the Net: Defining the Digital Divide," finds there is a growing disparity in terms of who has access to technology. While more Americans are embracing technology, African Americans and Hispanics, particularly from lower-income families and from rural areas, have less access to computers, and that gap is growing.”