Yesterday, the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators’ (NHCSL) Broadband En Accion taskforce released its first “whitepaper,” which lays out a policy framework and recommendations for realizing full digital inclusion for Latino communities, in Washington D.C.
At a press conference, the chair of the taskforce Senator Juan M. Pichardo (D-RI), said “By releasing this white paper, we as legislators, are taking steps to ensure the National Broadband Plan remains a priority within the Federal Communications Commission and Congress.”
Pichardo was joined by co- chair of the taskforce Representative Joseph E. Miro (DE), and taskforce members Representative Geraldo Alicea (MA), Senator Eduardo Bhatia (PR), Representative Mara Candelaria-Reardon (IN), Representative Nora Espinoza (NM), and Representative Minnie Gonzalez (CT).
“Broadband is an equalizer and an economic engine in which we must ensure Latino communities fully participate,” NHCSL President, Sen. Iris Y. Martinez (IL), said. “Our paper is a call to action for all communities and governments at every level to refocus on the issues of full digital inclusion through investment in digital literacy and creative, visionary programs that will truly connect every community to digital opportunities.”
The paper also addresses the role of broadband in helping to tackle other policy issues important to the Latino community including how to reduce the level of health disparities that exist.
NHCSL calls on the FCC to focus on creating opportunities for increased adoption of wire line and wireless broadband through initiatives that “nurture and encourage investment in next generation technologies, as opposed to following a regulatory path that may put a stranglehold on social and economic opportunity.”
The issue of net neutrality is going to play a role in this as well.