Key Takeaway: NASCIO Files E-rate Reform Comments
On Friday, NASCIO submitted comments to the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) on the future of the E-rate program, which provides broadband connectivity to schools and libraries. The comments were in response to the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) regarding the E-rate program, in coordination with President Obama’s push to provide high speed broadband to 99 percent of students in the next five years. NASCIO focused its comments on such issues as data standardization, regional and statewide planning and applications, bulk purchasing, and reducing administrative and redundant public sector costs by considering partnerships that bring in intergovernmental and private sector partners.
Click here to read NASCIO’s comments.
Other Buzz:
FirstNet’s PSAC Advisory Committee Meets In San Diego
On September 11, FirstNet convened the first face-to-face meeting of its Public Safety Advisory Committee (PSAC) in San Diego for a one day meeting. The 41 member advisory group serves as a means of outreach to key constituencies, counsels the board on concerns, and provides expertise on various issues. Darryl Ackley, CIO of New Mexico, attended on behalf of NASCIO. You can read more about the meeting here.
Federal Shutdown Looms (Again)
Facing down another debt ceiling limit and spending battle, the House has cancelled a recess scheduled for next week. The House intends to utilize the time to negotiate a spending deal before the October 1 deadline. Deep divisions within the House Republican caucus is causing difficulty in the lower chamber. Ultimately, there will need to be negotiations with the Senate and President. If no deal is reached, the federal government will shut down October 1.
Questions? Comments? Fantasy football tips? No, seriously: I’m 0 for 2 in my league after a brutal first two weeks and need some help! Reach out through the NASCIO Community or e-mail me directly at mherckis@amrms.com; or send some interesting articles along to me and my partner in crime and clips, Samantha Wenger (swenger@amrms.com)--and thanks for reading.
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