Dear Library Supporters,
Our community’s digital lifeline is facing an unexpected threat, and we need your voice to protect it.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has launched a sweeping review to scale back and restrict E-Rate funding. For decades, this program has helped JTPL and thousands of similar libraries and schools afford the high-speed internet connection that our neighbors rely on every day for job applications, schoolwork, and essential services. This budget cut means that libraries and schools will struggle to maintain these internet services, including at our own library.
What is E-Rate Funding?
E-Rate funding is money we get from the government to pay for the internet services, such as free Wi-Fi and computer labs, that we provide our patrons with. Despite popular belief, E-Rate is not funded by taxpayer dollars. It is paid for by governmental fees on telecommunications companies. That means cutting this program will not save taxpayers a dime—it will simply harm communities like ours by widening the digital divide to provide a tax cut for these companies.
The FCC has already recently cut funding for off-campus Wi-Fi hotspots and school bus internet. Now, they are proposing deeper restrictions to the program. If these funds are narrowed, our library will face a massive budget strain just to keep our public computers and Wi-Fi running. We are fighting to ensure this doesn’t happen.
How You Can Help Right Now:
Submit a public comment: The FCC is actively seeking public feedback on these E-Rate funding changes. You can tell them directly how important library internet access is to you and our community by visiting them here.
Spread the word: Send this letter to neighbors, friends, and local families who rely on our services. Let them know what they can do to make themselves heard!
Contact Your Representatives: E-Rate is a congressionally-mandated program, meaning that it is Congress’ job to defend the program. You can contact your representatives to let them know what library internet access means to you and our community through this form.
Thank you for supporting your Jeffersonville Township Public Library.
David Seckman
dseckman@jefflibrary.org
direct line: (812) 285-5633