A bill approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee would prohibit all schools and public libraries that are eligible for the e-rate from applying for Telecommunications and Information Infrastructure Assistance Program grants. ALA's Washington Office points out that the prohibition covers all schools and libraries that are eligible for the e-rate—even in partnerships with other community entities—not just ones that actually receive the discounts.
TIIAP, administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, provides matching grants to nonprofit organizations—including libraries and schools—for innovative projects that demonstrate the benefits of telecommunications and information technology and help extend their reach to underserved communities. In FY97 12 libraries were among the 55 recipients of $20.9 million in TIIAP grants.
In its report to the Senate July 2 the committee also recommended that the program be cut by 50%, placing FY99 funding at $11 million.
Posted July 20, 1998.