Trenton – Senate Education Chair Senator M. Teresa Ruiz and Senate President Steve Sweeney issued the following statement today calling on internet providers to donate basic access to households with school age children:
“We are incredibly grateful for the internet providers who have offered opportunities for households with school age children to gain access for free and we hope other companies will follow suit. As we continue to rely on remote instruction, it is imperative that every student in need has the option to receive basic internet free of charge. While districts may be able to provide Chromebooks and tablets, students need Wi-Fi to connect with their teachers and classmates. Companies have a corporate responsibility to provide these services to those in their community who cannot afford them. If we are going to conquer the digital divide it must be a joint effort between service providers, tech companies, school districts and all levels of government.”