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.

We're making progress in the policy agenda to advance Digital Literacy, Access & Equity in Illinois!

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

We have much to be proud of, but our efforts must not cease at this critical juncture.

The letter of the law is inadequate if the 2007 budget does not include the appropriate level of investment.

Our coalition has recommended that the Eliminate the Digital Divide program and supportive efforts receive an allocation of $8 Million for the coming year.

The allocation of these funds is by no means secure, and time is running out in the budget negotiations.

Friends,

We need your action today.

You are on the front lines in bridging the digital divide. Funding for digital literacy & access programs is at stake.

It is important that you call your Senators and Representatives in their home district today, or in Springfield early next week.

Ask that your State Representative tell Speaker Michael Madigan and Representatives Tom Cross and Connie Howard that they support the $8 million digital literacy budget amendment.

Ask that your State Senator tell Senate President Emil Jones and Senators Trotter, Harmon & Watson that they support the $8 million digital literacy budget amendment.

Thursday, February 16 was Illinois' Community Technology Day. Our new Coalition gathered together in Springfield to publicly announce ourselves to Illinois' legislators and to affirm our commitment to grassroots values in the cause of Digital Literacy, Access & Equity.

Meeting at ComputerBanc, a Springfield CTC/Computer Recycling Center we reflected on our core values and the status and history of Digital Literacy efforts in Illinois. We closed our meeting with some words from Marty Cohen, currently Director of Consumer Affairs in the Office of the Governor.

Good news! HB 3650 has passed through the Illinois Legislature and now goes to the Governor!

With near unanimous support, our big question is how much will be allocated in the budget.

Your registration is confirmed. If there are any questions we will contact you.

If you are able to provide a donation to the cause, your generosity will be greatly appreciated.

We look forward to seeing you February 16, 2006!

February 16, 2006 we will convene Illinois Community Technology Day in Springfield. We kick-off the day with the launch of the Illinois Community Technology Coalition (ilCTC) the way all coalitions should be launched: in an open, working meeting, where we'll set the agenda and commit ourselves to the cause. And we want you to be there. ComputerBanc, 11 AM, sharp. Address: 1023 E Washington, Springfield, IL 62703.

Click here for a map and to get driving directions from your location.

Computerbanc is located on the northwest corner of 11th and Washington, in the back of the building. The door has a sign and faces north.

Following the meeting and lunch, we'll head over to the capitol building so that the legislators know we're in town.

So, will you join us?

All we ask is that you register ahead of time, so we know to expect you.

If you are coming from Chicago and would like to reserve a seat on the bus... register on CTCNetChicago.org.

All others, please register here.

The awardees of the recent Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity(DCEO) Eliminate the Digital Divide (CTC) grant round should be announced soon if they havent been already, and guess what? It's time for the next grants round under DCEO…

Is there a Community Technology Center in your (Illinois) community?
No? Then maybe you partner up and should start one.
Yes? Then they probably ought to apply.

CTCNet Chicago and the ilCTC want to document Digital Literacy efforts in Illinois, contact us to get inolved in the Statewide Coalition and join a Network dedicated to Digital Literacy, Access & Equity.

Coming for Tech Day? We need you to register in advance so that we are best prepared.