Illinois Community Technology Coalition

On April 28 HB3650, known as the Digital Literacy Act was signed into law by Governor Blagojevich.

Are we making progress in the policy agenda to advance Digital Literacy, Access & Equity in Illinois? The letter of the law makes it seem that we are.

But the letter of the law is inadequate: the 2007 budget did not include an appropriate level of investment in digital literacy and access programs for Illinois.

The state budget, passed May 4th includes appropriations of $3 million for the Digital Divide Elimination Fund from General Revenues.

Legislative will is not demonstrated by nicely worded acts recognizing a level of need in our communities. Legislative will is demonstrated by determination to meet that need.

DCEO is authorized to expend $5.5 million out of the digital divide fund in FY 2007, with only $3 million added to the fund from general revenue.

We're being weaned off of the fund, even though digital literacy is more important than ever. The CTC movement in Illinois will continue to be rootbound, and has been transplanted to a smaller pot.

We have to take our destiny in our own hands. We have to learn how to cooperate and maximize resources across the movement and within our field and with partners in our communities. We have to hold our legislators accountable.

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