Although the ostensible topic of the joint hearing held by the House Commerce and Education Committees September 16 was the multiplicity of educational technology programs, the panel wound up focusing on the e-rate telecommunication discounts. ALA's Washington Office reports that House members' comments indicated a feeling that the e-rate may be unnecessary or should be administered as a state block grant.
Delaware State Librarian Tom Sloan, testifying on behalf of ALA, called the e-rate a logical partner with LSTA and other federal programs. Sloan emphasized the strength of the e-rate because it builds on local needs and technology plans.
Other speakers included Linda Roberts, director of the U.S. Office of Education Technology, Carlotta Joyner of the U.S. General Accounting Office, Joe Waz of the Comcast Corporation, Forrest Fisher of Education Service District 105 in Yakima, Washington, and Brent Frey from the West Shore School District in Pennsylvania.
Although some witnesses were critical of the e-rate, the Washington Office reports that the hearing's overall message was that there is tremendous benefit from technology in schools and libraries.
Posted September 21, 1998.