NewDEAL Forum Urges Immediate Broadband Access Funding from Congress

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 28, 2020

Contact: Jonathon Dworkin, 202-660-1340 x5

NewDEAL Forum Urges Immediate Broadband Access Funding from Congress

Co-chairs of Forum’s Education Policy Group stress alarming learning loss for students without access to high-speed home internet

Washington, D.C. – Emphasizing that COVID-19 has the potential to set-back an entire generation of children if policymakers do not take immediate and aggressive action on broadband access, Mayor Christopher Cabaldon (West Sacramento, CA) and Senator Elena Parent (Atlanta, GA) wrote to Congressional Leaders of both parties today advocating $6.8 billion in the next COVID-19 relief package to give students nationwide the opportunity to participate in virtual learning as many schools are expected to remain closed this fall. Full text of the letter is below.

Cabaldon and Parent co-chair the NewDEAL Forum Education Policy Group, which brings together innovative state and local officials with policy experts to develop proposals for improving college and career readiness among high school graduates. The Group recently convened a discussion with FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel to address solutions state and local officials can pursue for what the Commissioner calls the “Homework Gap” — the learning gap between students with and without home internet access.

The $6.8 billion recommendation is in line with the need outlined in a report released last week by the Alliance for Excellent Education, National Indian Education Association, National Urban League, and UnidosUS. In addition, the letter from Cabaldon and Parent calls for inclusion in the COVID-19 relief bill of proposals from the Emergency Educational Connections Act. That legislation would require the FCC to support schools in purchasing telecommunications equipment or services (e.g., Wi-Fi hotspots, modems, and routers) for students and staff to use outside of school buildings. (The current E-Rate program is limited to funding broadband at schools and libraries.) Priority must be given to students, staff, or patrons who do not have access to such equipment or services.

“The state and local officials with whom we work, in our communities and in urban, suburban, and rural areas across the country, are on the front lines of the crisis caused by the digital divide,” write Cabaldon and Parent, who are members of the Forum’s sister organizations, the NewDEAL, a network of 180 of the most innovative state and local elected leaders around the country. “We are all committed to working with our school systems to identify the extent of broadband needs as well as support solutions to bring fiber-optic cables and connected devices to our most vulnerable students. However, as states and cities hemorrhage revenue, our impact is limited without federal funding. Therefore, we respectfully ask you to provide $6.8 billion to the E-rate program to address these needs.”

The letter highlights the report published by the Alliance for Excellent Education and its allies, which finds that one in three Black, Latino, and American Indian/Alaska Native families do not have the high-speed home internet necessary to support online learning. Across all racial and ethnic groups, 16.9 million children fall into this “Homework Gap” nationwide. Other national data suggest that only 60 percent of low-income, and 60 to 70 percent of Black and Hispanic students, logged in regularly to their online classes. For their more affluent peers, the number was close to 90 percent.

“Asking students—many of whom are from low-income or rural homes—to try to learn with a family member’s cell phone or with paper packets is neither acceptable nor sustainable. We need Congress to demonstrate their concern for all students’ learning by providing $6.8 billion in critical funding in the next stimulus legislation for internet and computer access for all students, no matter where they live,” said All4Ed president and CEO Deborah Delisle. “The federal government has an historic opportunity to ensure millions of students get what they need to be successful this fall and beyond. What we offer to our students tells them what it is we value. This is our time to show we care.”

Students who were already behind will be even further behind when school resumes. The research organization NWEA estimates some students may lose as much as a full year of learning.

Below is the full text of the letter to Senate Majority Leader MItch McConnell, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy. You can find more information about the goals of the NewDEAL Forum Education Policy Group at this link.

About the NewDEAL Forum

The NewDEAL Forum is a Washington-DC based non-profit organization which identifies and promotes innovative, future-oriented state and local pro-growth progressive policies that can improve the lives of all Americans. By facilitating the identification and spread of policy ideas, the NewDEAL Forum seeks to foster economic growth, reduce barriers to opportunity, and promote good government in communities, cities, and states throughout the country.

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Letter to Congress from NewDEAL Forum Education Policy Group Co-chairs

Dear Madame Speaker, Majority Leader McConnell, Minority Leader McCarthy, and Minority Leader Schumer:

As schools work to reopen for the 2020-2021 school year, it is vital for all students and educators to have high-speed home internet and devices so they can effectively participate in online learning. As co-chairs of a group of elected officials and policy experts focused on improving college and career readiness, we have recognized that broadband access is one of the most important education issues that must be addressed in response to COVID-19.

The state and local officials with whom we work, in our communities and in urban, suburban, and rural areas across the country, are on the front lines of the crisis caused by the digital divide. We are all committed to working with our school systems to identify the extent of broadband needs as well as support solutions to bring fiber-optic cables and connected devices to our most vulnerable students. However, as states and cities hemorrhage revenue, our impact is limited without federal funding. Therefore, we respectfully ask you to provide $6.8 billion to the E-rate program to address these needs.

COVID-19 has caused the largest disruption to public education ever faced by our nation. There are many uncertainties surrounding the 2020-2021 school year; however, it is clear that many students will receive their education, at least in part, through online learning. A recent analysis from the Alliance for Excellent Education, National Indian Education Association, National Urban League, and UnidosUS shows that one in three Black, Latino, and American Indian/Alaska Native families do not have the high-speed home internet necessary to support online learning. Across all racial and ethnic groups, 16.9 million children fall into this “Homework Gap” nationwide.

The learning loss caused by COVID-19 has the potential to set-back an entire generation of children if we do not take immediate and aggressive action. The Emergency Educational Connections Act has been introduced in both the House and the Senate to address the Homework Gap. We urge you to include this legislation and appropriate at least $6.8 billion through the E-rate program in the COVID-19 relief package currently under negotiation in Congress.

COVID-19 did not create the Homework Gap. However, we must address this challenge with an even greater sense of urgency because of the pandemic. By appropriating $6.8 billion through the E-rate program, Congress can ensure communities have the resources to deliver students the education they need and deserve.

Sincerely,

Christopher Cabaldon

Mayor, West Sacramento, CA

Co-Chair, NewDEAL Forum Education Policy Group

Elena Parent

Senator, Atlanta, GA

Co-Chair, NewDEAL Forum Education Policy Group

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NewDEAL Forum Launches COVID Recovery Group to Propose Systemic Policy Changes

Renewing America Task Force will recommend state/local policies to rebuild country in stronger, more equitable way

Washington, D.C. – The NewDEAL Forum today launched the Renewing America Task Force to identify and promote the most effective state and local policy solutions for rebuilding the nation’s economy in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Innovative state and local elected officials will come together along with top experts to address immediate and long-term challenges around issues critical to the economic recovery, such as increasing affordable housing, supporting entrepreneurs and local economic development, improving access to high-speed internet, and modernizing and strengthening the social safety net.

On every topic, the Task Force will specifically address opportunities to remedy long-standing inequities that have discriminated against people of color.

The group will be led by five co-chairs who are members of the Forum’s sister organization, the NewDEAL, a network of 180 of the most innovative elected officials across the country who are pro-growth progressives:

Kate Gallego, Mayor, Phoenix, AZ
Garlin Gilchrist II, Lt. Governor, Michigan
Lee Harris, Mayor, Shelby County, TN
Brooke Lierman, Delegate, Baltimore, MD
Tobias Read, State Treasurer, Oregon

“In this moment of crisis, state and local leaders are stepping up to offer bold and creative ways to protect their communities from the immediate fall-out of the pandemic, while recognizing that our goal should not be to restore America to its pre-pandemic condition,” said NewDEAL Forum CEO Debbie Cox Bultan. “Our country is desperate for leadership that addresses long-time injustices and inequalities that have been exacerbated by this virus, including by embracing the opportunity to the systemic racism that is being protested around the world. The Renewing America Task Force will provide a platform for developing and sharing the best ideas for our recovery among leaders who can lead their implementation across the country.”

The Task Force plans to convene monthly for in-depth conversations on a particular subject to define short and long-term issues, and to hear from elected officials and other others who are proposing specific solutions. Following each discussion, the group will release findings designed to guide state and local policymakers in addressing the impact of COVID-19 and opportunities to make systemic change. The first official meeting will take place on July 9, when the group will tackle the pending housing crisis as millions of renters face eviction amidst record high unemployment levels.
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About the NewDEAL Forum

The NewDEAL Forum is a Washington-DC based non-profit organization which identifies and promotes innovative, future-oriented state and local pro-growth progressive policies that can improve the lives of all Americans. By facilitating the identification and spread of policy ideas, the NewDEAL Forum seeks to foster economic growth, reduce barriers to opportunity, and promote good government in communities, cities and states throughout the country.

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NewDEAL Statement on George Floyd Protests

As Americans across the country stand up against systemic racism and the failures of our justice system to protect black lives, now is the time for long overdue change. The NewDEAL stands in solidarity with this movement. As President Obama has said, “the elected officials who matter most in reforming police departments and the criminal justice system work at the state and local levels.”

We are proud of the NewDEAL members who are offering the leadership that our country so desperately needs, as they steadfastly support the rights of protesters while working tirelessly to protect their communities in the midst of acts of violence. They are, and will continue to be, on the frontlines of effecting vital change, in policing reforms and on the many other issues through which we must address racial injustice. The NewDEAL is committed to supporting and working with our leaders around the country to offer state and local policy solutions to ensure real and lasting progress.

The Well News: FCC Commissioner Says Lack Of Broadband Access Amid Pandemic Is ‘A National Disaster’

Ben Diamond named to national NewDEAL coalition

NewDEAL Applauds Relief to States and Cities by U.S. House in HEROES Act

NewDEAL Applauds Relief to States and Cities by U.S. House in HEROES Act

Latest Coronavirus Relief Legislation Addresses Key Concerns of NewDEAL Members

Washington, D.C. – Legislation approved today by the U.S. House takes a critical step to providing states, counties, and municipalities with the resources necessary to deal with the wide-ranging impacts of the COVID-19 crisis. The HEROES Act, which includes $500 billion for states and $375 billion for local governments, also addresses the most pressing issues raised in recommendations that NewDEAL sent to Congressional Leaders, which urged them to improve upon the previous federal relief provided by the CARES Act.

“The HEROES Act makes investments that are imperative for allowing state and local leaders to implement solutions that protect their communities amid this crisis,” said NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan. “State and local officials across the country have stepped up with swift and effective actions to deal with the extraordinary health, economic, and other challenges caused by COVID-19; however, they face increasingly difficult obstacles to protecting their communities as tax revenues plunge and their budgets are shredded.

“In addition to appropriating desperately needed funding, the HEROES Act makes two vital changes to the CARES Act that NewDEAL Leaders have requested by: (1) ending the requirement that governments spend stimulus funds on new initiatives, which allows them to replace lost revenue, and (2) including funds for municipalities with fewer than 500,000 residents.”

Other provisions in the HEROES Act that, in part, address NewDEAL recommendations include:

increased funds for testing capacity;
a stronger safety net that includes hazard pay for essential workers;
election preparation through $3.6 billion for grants to States for contingency planning, preparation, and resilience;
support for small businesses with an additional $10 billion in grants to those that have suffered financial losses as a result of the coronavirus outbreak; and
relief for mass transit, with $15.75 billion for operating assistance grants to support transit agencies that require significant additional assistance to maintain basic services.

“We are grateful for the leadership of Speaker Pelosi and House Democrats in recognizing the scale of the continuing impacts of the coronavirus and the urgency with which our country’s leaders must respond,” said Bultan. “NewDEAL Leaders implore Senate Republicans to end their cautious approach to enacting the relief that would rescue our economy and, most importantly, save lives. State and local leaders, and the people they represent, need Congress to quickly send the HEROES Act, or a similar bill, to the President’s desk.”

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About NewDEAL

NewDEAL (Developing Exceptional American Leaders), is a selective national network of state and local elected officials who are pro-growth progressives, with Honorary Co-Chairs U.S. Senator Mark Warner (D-VA) and former Governor Jack Markell. Members of the nearly 200-person network covering 48 states have been chosen from among more than 1500 nominations over its nine-year history, and are working to enact pro-growth progressive solutions in a diverse array of communities. The network of rising leaders has included more than 20 who have ascended to higher office since the fall of 2018, such as four members of Congress and seven mayors who won their office for the first time in 2019.

The NewDEAL brings together leaders focused on expanding opportunity, helping them develop and spread innovative ideas to spur economic growth that is broadly-earned and sustainable. Learn more about the NewDEAL at http://www.newdealleaders.org/leaders.

The Well News: NewDEAL Welcomes Spring 2020 Leader Class of State and Local Officials

Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall selected as one of 15 ‘outstanding rising leaders in the nation’

NewDEAL Welcomes Spring 2020 Leader Class

At Critical Time, New Class of Nation’s Top State and Local Leaders are Recognized

Diverse set of pro-growth progressive leaders join organization of innovative, rising Democrats who are on frontlines addressing COVID-19

Washington, D.C. – With the importance of forward-thinking local leadership being made clearer than ever during the coronavirus crisis, NewDEAL (Developing Exceptional American Leaders) has selected a new class of 15 elected officials from across the country to join its selective national network of state and local elected officials. These leaders join the group at a time when members are rising to the challenges of COVID-19 by innovating, convening virtually, and sharing good ideas. Inspired by ideas from its members, NewDEAL recently launched a database of policies and programs that address the wide-ranging impacts of the pandemic.

Leaders in the 185-person network cover 48 states and are working to enact pro-growth progressive solutions in a diverse array of communities.They have been chosen from among more than 1500 nominations over NewDEAL’s nine years, and have included Pete Buttigieg, Stacey Abrams, and Jason Kander. U.S. Senator Mark Warner (D-VA) and former Delaware Governor Jack Markell are Honorary Co-Chairs.

“Our state and local officials play vital roles affecting the prosperity of our country and the quality of life of the American people,” said Senator Warner and Governor Markell. ”As so many of them have stepped up in key ways to protect Americans during the coronavirus crisis, we are reminded of the importance of supporting great leaders outside of Washington. NewDEALers consistently set examples for our country to follow and are prepared to take on more challenges at all levels of government in the future. We look forward to promoting the work of the outstanding leaders in this new class and giving them the opportunity to learn from other leaders.”

The diverse new class of leaders from 13 states (listed below) were chosen for their unwavering commitment to expanding opportunity, as they work to move their communities forward in the new economy and reject the idea that policymakers can or should want to turn the clock back to a prior era. These elected officials are fighting for solutions to some of the biggest challenges facing their communities and our nation, from promoting sustainable policies and supporting resilience in Florida to access to higher education and effective workforce training in Texas, as well as reforming the criminal justice system in Pennsylvania.

Moving forward, these leaders’ work will help build on policy recommendations that NewDEAL Leaders help develop, including the release of a report from the NewDEAL Forum Future of Work Policy Group, and the upcoming release of work by the Climate Change and Education Policy Groups.

The new class of NewDEAL Leaders includes:

Malia Cohen, State Board of Equalization Chair, San Francisco, CA

Ben Diamond, Representative, St. Petersburg, FL

Kristin Sunde, Representative, West Des Moines, IA

McKenzie Cantrell, Representative, Louisville, KY

Pavel Payano, Councilmember, Lawrence, MA

Garlin Gilchrist, Lt. Governor, Michigan

Annie Rice, Alderwoman, St. Louis, MO

Zach Conine, Treasurer, Nevada

Elizabeth Walters, Councilmember, Akron, OH

Shannon Hardin, Council President, Columbus, OH

Jordan Harris, Representative, Philadelphia, PA

Erin Mendenhall, Mayor, Salt Lake City, UT

Ron Nirenberg, Mayor, San Antonio, TX

Cassie Franklin, Mayor, Everett, WA

Marko Liias, Senator, Lynwood, WA

NewDEAL Leaders have found broad support for their work, with 100 percent winning in re-election races in 2018 and 2019, across red, blue, and purple states and cities, and more than a dozen rising to higher office in the past two years. These leaders include new members of Congress, (Ben McAdams in Utah, Greg Stanton in Arizona, and Jennifer Wexton in Virginia), as well as Mayors Lierion Gaylor Baird (Lincoln, NE), Kate Gallego (Phoenix), Eric Johnson (Dallas), Quinton Lucas (Kansas City, MO), Lauren McLean (Boise, ID), Steven Reed (Montgomery, AL), and Brandon Whipple (Wichita, KS). Additional leaders are on the ballot for Congress in 2020.

The NewDEAL brings together leaders focused on expanding opportunity, helping them develop and spread innovative ideas to spur economic growth that is broadly-earned and sustainable. Most importantly, the organization facilitates the exchange of ideas among its members and connects them with other pro-growth progressive political, policy, and private sector leaders.

Learn more about the NewDEAL and its members by visiting http://www.newdealleaders.org/leaders.