Funds will be used to improve technology services at area schools and library

Washington, DC (October 10, 2006) – Congressman Rubén Hinojosa (TX-15) today announced that the Edinburg Independent School District has received $685,096.33 in funding under the E-Rate program, which provides discounts between 20 and 90 percent to schools and libraries for the cost of education technology (Internet Access and Telecom Services).  The funding represents discounts schools will receive for specific technology needs, including Internet services and access, telecommunications, and internal connections needed to bring information straight to schools and libraries.

“Helping America maintain its competitive edge means providing students with the latest technologies, tools and resources to learn the most they can, in and out of the classroom,” said Hinojosa.  “These funds will help students in Edinburg get the most out their education by having access to 21st century technologies.”

The E-Rate program will provide more than $2.1 billion in discounts to tens of thousands of schools, with the costs being covered by the Universal Service Fund, until the fund is exhausted.  The E-Rate’s first funding priority is for telecommunications services and Internet access, and the second funding priority is for internal connections and wiring at schools and libraries.