Meng Brings Head of the FCC to Queens for a Roundtable Discussion on the Success of NYC Schools and Libraries Receiving Federal Funding to Increase Internet Access for Local Students
June 27, 2022
Congresswoman helped secure these crucial funds for NY and the nation consisting of more than $7.1 billion; Money has helped NYC students connect to the internet after many lacked an internet connection at home, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic
QUEENS, NY – Today, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel, hosted by U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens), visited Queens for a roundtable discussion to highlight the success of New York City schools and libraries recently receiving federal funding to increase internet access for students, particularly the many children who lacked an internet connection at home, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Meng helped create the program that provides this money, known as the Emergency Connectivity Fund, and she helped secure more than $7.1 billion for it. The funding was included in the American Rescue Plan, the COVID-19 relief package that was passed by Congressional Democrats and signed into law by President Biden in March 2021.
In June 2021, Meng encouraged Queens-New York City schools to seek funding when the application period opened. And in the fall of 2021, schools and libraries across the nation – including in Queens and throughout New York City – began receiving the money, which has paid for Wi-Fi hotspots, modems, routers, internet service and internet-enabled devices.
During the roundtable, which took place at P.S. 154Q in Fresh Meadows, several Queens students in high school and junior high school talked about the importance of having access to the internet for their schoolwork, and highlighted the impact and problems that a lack of access has caused.
"In Congress, I have been proud to champion the vital issue of improving internet access and combatting the homework gap, and I was thrilled to welcome Chairwoman Rosenworcel to my congressional district for an important discussion on this crucial topic," said Congresswoman Meng. "She and I have worked closely together on this issue, even before she rose to the top spot at the FCC, and this continues to be a top priority for her and her agency. Internet connectivity is part of our daily lives. But millions of kids have lived in homes without any internet connection, and that has created an unacceptable obstacle to education in our country and throughout New York. From remote learning during the coronavirus crisis to completing schoolwork and assignments, access to the internet is essential for today's students to succeed in their studies. As the mother of two school-aged boys, I am passionate about this issue, and know firsthand how crucial it is. Fortunately, we have seen the Emergency Connectivity Fund begin to address this problem by providing internet access to millions of students, and its success has put us on the road towards closing the digital divide. Our kids are our future. We must make the needed investments to ensure the next generation's success which in turn ensures the future success of our nation."
The homework gap refers to students unable to complete their schoolwork due to the lack of access to the internet.
"Too many children across the country, including right here in Queens, are still struggling to keep up with their schoolwork because they lack internet access at home. That's unacceptable. The Homework Gap is one of the cruelest parts of the digital divide, but we have the power to fix it," said Chairwoman Rosenworcel. "Thanks to the support of leaders like Congresswoman Grace Meng, the FCC received funding to create the Emergency Connectivity Fund, which will now help millions of students nationwide with the broadband connections and devices they need for homework and more. We still have more work to do to make sure every kid across the country has the internet access they need, but I'm more optimistic than ever that working together we can make this a reality."
In addition to securing the money for the Emergency Connectivity Fund, Meng has underscored the need for continued federal funding to ensure that students stay connected and don't lose their online access when the funding runs out, particularly with the new school year just a few months away. So, she has introduced the Securing Universal Communications Connectivity to Ensure Students Succeed (SUCCESS) Act to build on the success of the Emergency Connectivity Fund. The bill would extend the program by allocating $8 billion a year over five years – for a total of $40 billion – to continue providing Wi-Fi hotspots, modems, routers, internet service and internet-enabled devices to students. She has also asked congressional leaders to support her efforts for additional money.
Chairwoman Rosenworcel, who grew-up in nearby Connecticut and attended NYU law school in New York City, was confirmed as FCC Chair by the U.S. Senate in December after serving as the FCC's Acting Chairwoman. She is the first female Chair to permanently lead the agency in its almost 100-year history.
To view additional details about the Emergency Connectivity Fund, go to https://www.emergencyconnectivityfund.org/.