Letter from United States Conference of Mayors.
To: FCC Chairman William Kennard.
Re: Support for increasing funding of the FCC's Schools and Libraries Program (aka "E-rate).
Date: May 26, 1999.
Source: Office of Rep. Bobby Rush (D-IL). This document was created by scanning a fax copy, and converting into HTML.

May 26, 1999

Mr. William E. Kennard
Chairman Federal Communications Commission
445 12th Street, SW
Washington, DC 20554

Dear Mr. Chairman:

On May 27, the Federal Communications Commission will decide how much money to allocate for the Universal Service for Schools and Libraries, or E-Rate, program. As Mayors, we want to deliver a clear, simple message: E-Rate is working-and should be expanded.

As technological competence increasingly defines success in the economy, it is critical for schools and libraries to have access to the Internet. In our cities, E-Rate provides a crucial platform for our most under-served schools to get online. At the same time, libraries are serving as a hub of information for adults, families and small businesses, especially in rural areas.

The E-Rate program helps bridge the gap between wealthy and poor in urban and rural communities, by providing the deepest discounts to those with the greatest need. The currrent funding level, however, is insufficient to meet the overwhelming need. We strongly urge the FCC to support the program by setting next year's funding level at the cap of $2.25 billion.

Sincerely,

Mayor Arlene 1. Mulder, Arlington Heights, IL
Mayor Bill Campbell, Atlanta, GA
Mayor Joseph V. Doria, Jr. Bayonne, NJ
Mayor Thomas M. Menino, Boston, MA
Mayor Joe Riley, Charleston, SC
Mayor Jon Kinsey, Chattanooga, TN
Mayor Richard M. Daley, Chicago, IL
Mayor Ron Kirk, Dallas, TX
Mayor Michael A- Guido, Dearborn, MI
Mayor Wellington E. Webb, Denver, CO
Mayor Jean L. Harris, Eden Prarie, MN
Mayor James P. Perron, Elkhart, IN
Mayor Harvey Johnson, Jr., Jackson, MS
Mayor Patrick J. McManus, Lynn, MA
Mayor Susan J.M. Bauman, Madison, WI
Mayor Marc Morial, New Orleans, LA
Mayor Patrick H. Hays, North Little Rock, AR
Mayor William A. Johnson, Jr., Rochester, NY
Mayor Charles E. Box, Rockford, IL
Mayor Deedee Corradini, Salt Lake City, UT
Mayor Willie L. Brown, Jr, San Francisco, CA
Mayor George Miller, Tuscon, AZ
Mayor Mike Morrison, Waco, TX