--- Forwarded Message from "JessicaCallender" <[log in to unmask]> ---

>Reply-To: "JessicaCallender" <[log in to unmask]>
>From: "JessicaCallender" <[log in to unmask]>
>To: "Language Learning and Technology International Information Forum"    <[log in to unmask]>
>References:  <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: Actions Requested to safeguard Federal Funding for Community Technology
>Date: Tue, 20 Nov 2001 02:06:31 -0500

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> The major Federal grant program for community technology centers may,
> within the next several working days, be deleted from the FY 2002 budget.
> That, combined with the threated reduction in the Commerce Department's
> TOP program, would signal a dramatic decline in government support for
> innovative uses of technology to connect communities and opportunities for
> residents of low-income communities to learn and utilize computer-related
> skills.
>
> Until a week or so ago, it looked like the community technology center
> grant program (http://www.ed.gov/offices/OVAE/CTC) would be expanded from
> last fiscal year's $64.95 million up to $80 million for FY 2002, while
> being shifted from the Department of Education over to HUD.
>
> But we've now been informed by HUD and Department of Education officials
> that a Congressional appropriations subcommittee has decided not to
> include any funds at all for a community technology center grant program
> at HUD.
>
> And it appears that within the next several working days the decision
> could be made to either sustain the program at the U.S. Department of
> Education or to eliminate the program entirely. If the latter, that would
> abruptly terminate many truly outstanding community technology programs
> part way through their grants.
>
> If you would like to receive a fact sheet providing background and
> outlining one quick action (perhaps 10 minutes of your time) that you
> might take to ameliorate the situation, would you kindly send an email
> message with the subject line: "Fact sheet request" to [log in to unmask]
>
> Since both the Bush administration and the Senate have earlier this year
> supported an expansion of the community technology grant program either at
> HUD or the Dep't of Education, the House/Senate conference committee may
> be persuaded to continue funding grants for community technology, but that
> is unlikely to happen unless they hear from citizens that equitable access
> to computer-related learning opportunities in low-income communities is an
> issue that continues to merit government attention. Please do drop a line
> to [log in to unmask] requesting the fact sheet.
>
> Thanks!
> The staff and Board of Directors of
> Community Technology Centers' Network (CTCNet)
> http://www.ctcnet.org
> p.s. Please feel free to pass this message on to others who may be
> interested.