Delivered via email: September 3, 2026
Support E-Rate Funding for Schools
IASB is encouraging members to support continued funding of the E-Rate program by filing an express comment with the FCC and contacting your members of Congress. The E-Rate program, which helps schools and libraries obtain affordable internet access and network equipment, is the fifth-largest funding stream for schools nationwide. Over the past four years, E-Rate has provided more than $471 million in assistance to Illinois schools and libraries. IASB is concerned that the FCC may eliminate or greatly reduce E-Rate support. The FCC has officially opened a comment period asking for feedback on several key issues. Comments on these issues will be accepted until October 13, 2026:
- Whether the E-Rate program should be narrowed, reoriented, or ended to reflect the achievement of its connectivity objectives.
- How to ensure E-Rate-funded services are advancing educational outcomes and protecting children online.
- Actions the Commission can take to empower parents, guardians, and teachers to ensure the E-Rate program advances student learning, protects children when using E-Rate funding networks, and remains consistent with the universal service principles established by Congress.
E-Rate Resources & Advocacy
Most school districts utilize E-Rate in some capacity, either to obtain affordable internet service or to assist in financing network equipment. Recent dialogue at the FCC has centered on screentime for students and the value of educational technologies. However, the E-Rate program cannot be utilized for student devices. If E-Rate support were to end, districts would be forced to cover the shortfall and finance internet service and network equipment themselves. Please take the opportunity to register the importance of internet capability made possible through E-Rate by sharing the story of the students in your district.
IASB and COSSBA have worked with national partners to provide resources to help school leaders understand E-Rate and share their support with the FCC and Congress.
- Investigate this map to determine your school district’s E-Rate funding.
- Contact your members of Congress to share your support for E-Rate.
- Register for IASB's Governmental Relations Team’s upcoming webinar Federal Updates: News for Illinois Schools where we will discuss E-Rate and other key federal issues.
Contact Kristin Fitzgerald with questions about E-Rate.