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AMSTERDAM, NY—Congressman Paul D. Tonko today announced that Capital Region schools and libraries are being delivered $8,907,780 in funding from the American Rescue Plan’s Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF). The program, established under the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), helps students connect to the internet at home by providing broadband access, laptops, Wi-Fi hotspots, and other equipment necessary to get their homework done.

With educational tools, homework, and opportunities increasingly online, students without reliable home internet access are often left without the tools to succeed,” Congressman Tonko said. “This truth was made poignantly clear by the COVID-19 pandemic, which is why I fought hard to secure funding in our American Rescue Plan to expand broadband access to our unserved and underserved communities. The Emergency Connectivity Fund makes strong investments on our children’s futures by helping them get the equipment and internet access they need to stay connected and get their work done. I’m proud to have supported this landmark program, and I’ll continue to fight in Congress to ensure that every student—regardless of their zip code—has the basic tools they need to succeed.”

The funding delivered to the region is included as part of the historic $7.1 billion being administered across the nation to schools and libraries to improve access to resources and education.

This announcement comes as Congressman Tonko has celebrated several recent victories in the fight to expand broadband internet access in the Capital Region and nationwide. In last week’s omnibus government funding bill, Tonko helped secure significant funding for broadband expansion, including $450 million for ReConnect rural broadband and $382 million for the Federal Communications Commission’s efforts to increase internet access. Congressman Tonko also secured full funding for the Office of Internet Connectivity and Growth, established in 2020 under his ACCESS BROADBAND Act.

A breakdown of schools and libraries in New York’s 20th Congressional District receiving investments can be viewed HERE:

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