2002 Public Service Award

Sentor Olympia Snowe (Maine) was awarded FOLUSA's 13th annual Public Service Award during National Library Legislative Day activities, May 7, 2002 in Washington, D.C. Snowe was selected for her co-sponsorship of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, which we have all come to know as the "e-rate." This critical piece of legislation allows schools and libraries to receive discounted rates for telecommunication services. The "e-rate" has played a key role in helping to close the digital divide by making it possible for the poorest of libraries to offer Internet access to those citizens in their communities who would not have this access in any other way. In addition, Senator Snowe was an early leader in shepherding and passing ESEA Reauthorization which provides desperately needed funds to school.

Snowe was awarded FOLUSA's 13th annual Public Service Award during National Library Legislative Day activities, May 7, 2002 in Washington, D.C. Senator Snowe joins the ranks of previous recipients including such luminaries as Senator Patrick Leahy (VT), Senator Paul Simon (IL), Senator Claiborne Pell (RI), Senator Mark O. Hatfield (OR), and Representative Jack Reed (RI).