Introductory*
City of Baltimore
Council Bill R
(Resolution)
Introduced by: President Scott
A Resolution Entitled
A Council Resolution concerning
title
Acceleration of Expanded Broadband Availability for Our Students
FOR the purpose of calling on all wired and wireless internet service providers, nonprofit organizations, the business community the Baltimore City Public Schools and the City of Baltimore to accelerate expanded broadband availability programs to students in Baltimore City to support online distance learning during the COVID-19 public health emergency.
body
Recitals
Whereas, In an effort to control and prevent the spread of COVID-19, on March 5, 2020 and renewed on May 6, 2020, a state of emergency and catastrophic health emergency was declared in the State of Maryland under Title 14 of the State Public Safety Article.
Whereas, Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, public and private schools are closed. Many students are relying on internet distance learning to continue their studies, however this solution assumes that students have access to technology to support online distance learning. We know that many do not. In fact, according to the United States Census Bureau, approximately 30% of Baltimore households are not connected to internet service in the home. This lack of access to technology to support online distance learning falls disproportionately on homes and families of color.
Whereas, This Council recognizes the efforts of internet service providers in Baltimore to meet the challenges of broadband adoption especially during the COVID-19 public health emergency. For example, providers are offering two-month free and low-cost broadband service to qualifying low...
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