NSBA's Letter to Senator Ted Stevens: December 11, 2006
December 11, 2006
The Honorable Ted Stevens
United States Senate
522 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510-0201
Re: ADA Exemption for Universal Service Fund
Dear Senator Stevens:
On behalf of the National School Boards Association (NSBA), which represents the nation’s 95,000 local school board members, I would like to thank you for your continued support of the E-Rate program during the 109th Congress. Public school officials across the country appreciate your hard work, leadership, and dedication to maintaining a healthy E-Rate and Universal Service Fund.
As the end of the year approaches, we are reminded that the Universal Service Anti-Deficiency Suspension Act will sunset on December 31, 2006. While legislative attempts have been made to address this issue, including language in this year’s Senate telecommunications bill, no resolution has been achieved. However, NSBA understands that FCC Chairman Martin in his recent statements indicated that the FCC and USAC have analyzed and corrected the issue surrounding the distribution of funds. We understand this to be true through 2007 and believe the FCC will do whatever is necessary to ensure that schools are able to continue to provide quality telecommunications services at affordable rates for their students.
In the next Congress, NSBA plans on working with you and your staff to find a permanent solution to this issue. The school community again thanks you for your leadership and looks forward to working with you in the new Congress to maintain a strong and stable E-rate program.
Sincerely,
Michael A. Resnick
Associate Executive Director