Federal Updates
The Schools and Libraries Program of the Universal Service Fund makes discounts available to eligible schools and libraries for telecommunication services, Internet access, and internal connections. The program is intended to ensure that schools and libraries have access to affordable telecommunications and information services.
Other websites and resources:
United States Department of Education
ESSA
IDEA Legislation:
Chapter 33-Education of Individuals with Disabilities
Related Resources
Earlier this summer, Congress announced a bipartisan, bicameral working group exploring myriad possibilities related to reforming the Universal Service Fund (USF) program. As a reminder, USF is a program created in the 1996 Telecommunications Act, providing connectivity to four historically underserved communities.
Read MoreIn its Semi-Annual Regulatory Agenda updated earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Education (USED) stated it would issue a number of rules aimed at walking back prior civil rights requirements and aligning program enforcement with the President’s priorities.
Read MoreOn August 31, the House Labor-HHS subcommittee released its FY26 budget proposal, which would affect schools in the 2026–27 school year. The topline: even before accounting for inflation, this plan provides less per-pupil funding for today’s seniors than when they were in kindergarten. After adjusting for inflation, it represents a $32 billion cut in real dollars.
Read More