Bush Budget Cuts Funds for Programs Addressing Digital Divide
Feature Story by Suzanne Lee - 2/14/2002
WASHINGTON, D.C., Feb. 14—The Administration’s proposed budget for FY 2003 has elicited concern from civil rights organizations regarding the fate of a number of technology programs that have provided access to and utilization of technology for individuals and communities across the nation.The Technology Opportunities Program (TOP), administered by the U.S. Department of Commerce, provides grants to public and nonprofit organizations around the country through locally driven, public-private partnerships that bring innovative digital network technologies to underserved communities. President Bush requested and received $15 million for TOP in 2002, a 65% reduction in funding from the previous year. Top receives no federal funding under Bush’s 2003 budget package.
Another important program that receives no funding in the Administration’s budget is the Community Technology Centers (CTC) program. CTC is administered by the Department of Education, and the centers are community based and provide low-income, minority, and other disenfranchised communities access to the Internet as well as training for basic computer applications that enhance educational and economic opportunities. President Bush requested no funds for CTC in 2002, but Congress nonetheless appropriated $32.5 million for CTC. While the Congressional appropriation for CTC was positive development, it should be noted that it was a 50% decrease from 2001.
Many concerned organizations have cited an apparent change in technology policy priorities by the current administration. "With the nation in an economic slump, technology has been a proven catalyst in increasing productivity and economic growth, especially in rural and underserved communities," said Tony Wilhelm, senior director at the Benton Foundation. "After years of building up successful public investments to expand technology opportunity, the administration's decision to pull out comes at an unfortunate time."
In response to the budget cuts, the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights (LCCR) and the Benton Foundation sponsored an emergency meeting February 12th. Over 60 civil rights organizations, foundations, federal, state, and local government entities, and the business community were represented. Many felt that irrespective of party, ideology, or administration, information literacy for all Americans (access to and utilization of technology) is too important an issue to be left to chance.
In addition to addressing the proposed elimination of specific programs such as TOP and CTC, the meeting also explored the broader objective of advancing digital empowerment for all segments of society. Participants agreed to pursue a dual strategy of education and lobbying Congress not to neglect the digital divide.
