Chapter 30 Wrap-Up Act 183

1. Chapter 30 Wrap-UpAct 183

2. Overview Project e-Quality is a Harrisburg-based independent education and advocacy group dedicated to improving Pennsylvania�s technology infrastructure and closing Pennsylvania�s digital divide Chapter 30: Bottom Line Project e-Quality recap� How did we get here? Summary of provisions: Direct and indirect benefits to PAIU members Next Steps

4. Chapter 30 - Before In 1993, the General Assembly enacted telephone deregulation legislation amending Title 66 (Public Utilities Code) called Ch. 30 In exchange for Stimulating competition in local/long distance tel. Ser. Implementing a more predictable rate setting proc Local telephone co. would Ensure affordable quality basic telephone ser Provide broadband by 2015 Expired 12/31/2003

5. Project e-Quality Recap: How did we get here? Nov. 2002: Affinity develops plan for PAIU Explains how a broad digital divide coalition can influence �Chapter 30� debate Remember-- Chapter 30 not originally about schools Jan. 2003: PAIU finances e-Quality Works with Bravo Group for �seat at the table� e-Quality becomes voice of PAIU PAIU underwrites the lobbying initiative ($100,000)

6. Project e-Quality recap Nov. 2003: e-Quality gets Senate support Helps block unfavorable version from passing Feb. 2004: e-Quality gets Gov. support Mar 2004: e-Quality gets House support Spring 2004: Negotiations restart Oct. 2004: Verizon cuts deal with e-Quality Nov. 2004: HB 30 becomes law

7. Including e-rate, Chapter 30 provides enough money to pay for an OC-3 to every IU and a DS3 to every school district in Pennsylvania. Including e-rate, Chapter 30 provides enough money to pay for an OC-3 to every IU and a DS3 to every school district in Pennsylvania.

8. Chapter 30 Bottom Line: Benefits to School Districts and  Intermediate Units $70 million for education technology grants $100 million in educational discounts $50 million for community technology grants Statutory protections for IU technology sales Well-positioned to ask for more resources Established as leading technology advocate among all education-oriented groups

9. Summary of Provisions: E-Fund Grants $70 million over six years $10 million per year guaranteed Regulations to be written by end February Department of Education administered 100 % �match� required No new taxes or fees

10. E-Fund Grants  (in addition to E-Rate) Eligible Applicants: School Districts and IU�s Eligible Uses Connectivity Equipment Distance Learning Initiatives Technical Assistance

11. Comment Dr. James Shields, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Association of Intermediate Units, notes that the legislation will encourage schools to work together. �Schools and intermediate units will receive priority funding if they demonstrate cooperation with each other,� said Shields. �That�s good for the students, good for the teachers and good for the taxpayers.�

12. E-Fund Grants Priority Funding Regional networking projects Schools without any broadband Projects that also receive discounts

13. Educational Discounts 30% cut in the �mileage tax� for schools Interstate only- check with vendors Installation charges waived Free e-rate consulting Additional discounts from Verizon Governor Rendell says these combined programs are worth $550 million to schools

14. Why a regional network? Consortium is needed to drive down prices CAIU15 - 45MB connection - E-Rateable vs 10 mph 450 mph Provide additional services distance learning, GED classes, after school classes Internet 2, remote data storage, streaming video digital video to the desktop

15. COMMENTS: Joe Bard, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Association of Rural and Small Schools, says this legislation will help rural schools bridge the technology gap. �House Bill 30 will provide a desperately needed boost to attaining equity and adequacy for the children of rural Pennsylvania,� said Bard.

16. Community Technology Grants $5 million per year for 10 years Schools and IU�s eligible DCED administered Can finance planning and aggregation projects Schools can drive residential broadband deployment in their communities

17. Indirect Benefits IU�s well-positioned to ask for more (All branches of government now interested in educational technology) IU�s emerged as leading technology advocate among education-oriented groups

18. Organizations Supporting e-Quality - PAIU: Led and financed advocacy efforts The E-Fund was largely written by PAIU PARSS: Critical political assistance PASA and CAPE: Consistent support PEDA: Modest financial support PSBA and PSEA: Late but loud supporters Debra Kriete: Attorney

19. Acronyms PAIU - Pennsylvania Intermediate Units PARSS - PA Assn. Of Rural & Small Schools PSBA - PA School Boards Association PASA - PA Assn. of School Administrators PSEA - PA State Education Assn. CAPE - Center for Advg. Partnerships in Ed. PEDA - PA Economic Development Assn.

20. Next Steps: IU1 Superintendent's Technology Advisory Board Now: Dr. Brad Ferko, Mr. Larry Golembiewski, Mrs. Debbie Jackson, Dr. Tim Marks, Dr. Chuck Rembold, Dr. Tom Turnbaugh Technology Coordinators Advisory Board TBA Intermediate Unit 1 L. O�Shea, J. Mangiapane, J. Pagac Meet with Kevin Delliker of Project e-Quality Monday, February 7th

21. Thank You! Questions?