Sean Reyes: “Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak about a different but equally important issue affecting education in America. As we prepare…”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak about a different but equally important issue affecting education in America. As we prepare to embark upon the 21st century, all of us know that the Technology Age is upon us. We live in a time when new ideas and innovations impact the way that we live, the way that we learn, the way that we work, and even the way that we play. Today's children cannot remember a time when fax machines, calculators, computers, or the Internet were not a part of their daily lives. Their world and the future that they will inherit will require not only an understanding of these innovations, but an ability to fully utilize them and integrate them into their work environment. No matter what occupation our children pursue, every American child must be versed in the technology that is permeating our society today. Mr. Speaker, a program that is making a tremendous impact is the E-rate program. This program through the Schools and Libraries Corporation is providing discounted telecommunication services and Internet access to schools and libraries across the country. As a nation, we cannot afford to have only the affluent areas access the benefits of technology. Consequently, through this program, the E-rate program, equal opportunity has been provided to minority and poor areas in urban and rural communities.”