SACRAMENTO — State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell today released this statement in support of Senate Bill 1276, a proposed amendment sponsored by Senator Debra Bowen (D-Redondo Beach) to authorize the California Public Utilities Commission to provide $18 million in discounts through the California Teleconnect Fund (CTF). The CTF appropriation, which was eliminated in the 2004-05 state budget, is needed to maintain discounts to support telecommunications services in schools, libraries, public hospitals, and community technology centers.

"I strongly support Senator Bowen's proposed amendment SB 1276 to provide $18 million for CTF discount applications, particularly for schools and libraries," said O'Connell. "Now more than ever, the state's more than six million students need telecommunications services to stay connected with technology if they are to succeed in school and in their careers.

"Since 1997, about 6,000 schools and libraries received much-needed CTF discounts for basic Internet access, telephone service, and other internal communications that are vital to support a learning environment. The elimination of CTF discounts would place an extraordinary strain on school districts at a time when they are already experiencing severe budget cuts. This would also create a greater digital divide between the 'haves' and the 'have nots.'

"We cannot rob our children's future because of budget cuts. SB 1276 will provide the necessary funding for now, but, indeed, more is critically needed in the future if our children are to receive a world-class education."

For more information about CTF, please visit http://www.cpuc.ca.gov/static/telco/public+programs/050602_ctf.htm (Outside Source) [Note, the preceding Web address is no longer valid.]