Upcoming event
Following President Biden’s pledge to make digital equity a cornerstone of his administration, our panel will share their insights on the government’s approach to technology policy, and how the Biden-Harris administration can lead on one of the most potentially transformative economic development investments of the century.
I. Welcome
a. State Superintendent Tony Thurmond
b. Senator Connie Leyva
II. Opening Comments
a. Assemblymember Aguiar-Curry
b. Assemblymember Burke
c. Assemblymember Garcia
d. Assemblymember Santiago
III. Bill Proposal Ideas
a. Assemblymember Aguiar-Curry (5-minutes)
b. Senator Lena Gonzalez (5-minutes)
c. Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi (5-minutes)
IV. Questions and Answers
As part of his historic $45 billion Rebuild Illinois investment strategy, in 2019 Governor Pritzker included $420 million to expand access to high-speed broadband internet across the state. A critical commitment to closing gaps and expanding opportunity, the Connect Illinois program is central to the Governor’s Five-Year Economic Plan to revitalize and grow the Illinois economy with an emphasis on equitable growth.
Times are Eastern Time.
Wednesday, February 17, 2021
9:45 am. Welcome to a Virtual Conference
10:00 am Paper Sessions (Click here for listing of Papers)
The Federal Communications Commission will host the discussion to provide an opportunity for FCC staff and interested parties to examine proposed actions the FCC should take to establish the program. The FCC is currently receiving comments regarding the program, and this roundtable will provide an additional opportunity to determine the best approach to leverage the funding to help close the digital divide.
FCC Announces Roundtable on Emergency Broadband Benefit Program
Federal Communications Commission Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel announced that she will convene a virtual roundtable discussion on Feb 12, 2021 to gather public input on how to structure the new Emergency Broadband Benefit Program. The roundtable will allow interested parties an opportunity to share ideas on the important public policy and program administration decisions that will shape the FCC’s approach to establishing the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program. The FCC is currently gathering comments on the program in response to a request for comment issued Jan 4, 2021.
Lawmakers say the attack on the Capitol has generated more support for tougher regulation of social media companies
Many Democrats, as well as some Republicans, want to take on Big Tech with laws and regulations to address issues like market power, data privacy, and disinformation and hate speech. Those ambitions have only grown since the insurrection of Capitol Hill, with more members of Congress pointing to the power of the tech companies as the root cause of many problems. The growing talk of new federal laws adds to the industry’s many headaches. Facebook and Google are fighting federal and state regulators in court over allegations of anticompetitive conduct.
February Open Meeting Agenda
Federal Communications Commission Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel announced that the items below are tentatively on the agenda for the February Open Commission Meeting scheduled for Wednesday, February 17, 2021:
The debate surrounding Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act of 1996 reached a fever pitch over the past year, with policymakers from both sides of the aisle—including former President Trump and President Biden—calling for change.