[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 135 (Thursday, September 26, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1700-E1701]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         COMMUNITY ON-LINE ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. JOHN JOSEPH MOAKLEY

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 25, 1996

  Mr. MOAKLEY. Mr. Speaker, I am introducing the Community On-Line Act, 
legislation which would provide schools, libraries, and community 
centers across the country with the capability to use new technology to 
its fullest potential.
  Today, we have the amazing ability to access vital information and 
important news stories from the computer. Teachers can show their 
students maps and information about foreign countries, encyclopedias, 
biographical information about famous people, and thousands and 
thousands of other important resources. The opportunities for learning 
are endless.
  However, many schools throughout the country cannot access the 
Internet, have obsolete computers, lack the necessary funding to 
install new computers, or don't have the resources to train teachers. 
This is unacceptable in this day and age. We can build bombs that do 
back-flips but we can't provide access to the latest technology for 
most Americans.
  It is vital that the Federal Government get involved. Failure to 
upgrade technology and train educators in our Nation's schools will 
result in a poorly educated work force because students will not have 
the skills to become computer literate. A skilled work force is 
absolutely essential to maintain our country's competitiveness.

[[Page E1701]]

  A recent Fortune 500 company report found that companies spend half 
of their technology budget on education and training, while school 
systems only spend 10 to 15 percent. Clearly, it is important for 
businesses and local school districts to work together to get our 
schools, libraries, and community centers on-line.
  Today, I am introducing legislation to provide grants to local 
schools, libraries, and community centers to purchase, install and 
operate the most up-to-date computer systems, access, the Internet, and 
train educators to use technology to its fullest potential. The bill 
requires the eligible entities to form a partnership with local 
businesses, or State or local governments. The purpose of the bill is 
to get the community involved and maximize its resources.
  Access to the latest technology and appropriate training is essential 
to enhance the skills of many Americans. We need parents, business 
leaders, community leaders, and teachers to ban together to give the 
community access to the latest technology and the capability of using 
it to its fullest potential.

                          ____________________