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.

A new blogspot resource for Illinois non-profits seeking funding:

http://nonprofitillinois.blogspot.com/

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.