New Jersey has received over $122 million to date from the program Pallone included in the American Rescue Plan
Washington, DC – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) announced today that schools and libraries in New Jersey will receive nearly $10 million from the 10th and 11th rounds of funding from the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Emergency Connectivity Fund Program (ECF). To date, schools and libraries in New Jersey’s 6th Congressional District have now received $11.9 million, and New Jersey has received over $122 million from the Fund in total. Last month, Pallone announced that New Jersey received over $6 million from the ninth round of funding from the program.
The ECF provides funding to help students get the tools they need to connect to the internet from home – crucial resources as approximately 16 million children nationwide lack home internet access, hindering their ability to learn and do homework at home. Funding can be used to purchase modems, devices like laptops and tablets, broadband service, and more. The $7.17 billion ECF program was spearheaded by Pallone’s Energy and Commerce Committee and authorized as part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan into law one year ago today.
“On the anniversary of the American Rescue Plan, I’m glad to announce more essential funding for our schools and libraries in New Jersey that will help ensure every student and teacher can stay connected to their classroom. In creating the Emergency Connectivity Fund with my colleagues, we focused the program on helping to get broadband service and devices into the hands of the students who need them,” Pallone said. “This crucial funding will help students do their homework, conduct research, and complete at-home projects long after the COVID-19 pandemic is over. This funding is a critical investment in the future of young people in our state.”
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