Take Action on MSBA's Platform Issues
Each week, MSBA highlights a platform issue and provides information for you.
Look for talking points on the issues to share with your elected officials.
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Telecommunications
The MSBA Platform urges the Legislature to permanently and fully fund the K-12 Telecommunications Equity Aid (TEA) so every school district has affordable access to Broadband.
TEA was designed to fully fund the access to high speed internet service costs realized by MN K-12 school districts and level the playing field for all MN schools.
At the current funding levels for this program, the equity is diminished and many schools are paying more for broadband services when compared to other districts.
The current appropriation for public schools is capped at $3.75 million when the cost to fully fund the program is approximately $9.5 million.
Internet access is crucial to schools as digital content becomes more commonplace. Mobile phones, Chromebooks and other electronic devices are a must for today's students. But just as important is access by teachers and other key staff for accounting, procurement and transportation to name just a few.
MSBA is attaching the Telecommunication
Access Equity Aid
runs so you can see what the unreimbursed costs are for your district, as well as statewide.
Contact your legislator and ask them to fully fund the Telecommunications Equity Aid program.