HOUSE MEMORIAL 19
55th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2021
INTRODUCED BY
Ambrose Castellano
A MEMORIAL
REQUESTING THE PUBLIC EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TO ASSIST SCHOOL DISTRICTS IN PROVIDING INTERNET ACCESS TO TEACHERS STATEWIDE.
WHEREAS, internet access is critical to quality education; and
WHEREAS, during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, a lack of internet access has hampered the ability of many school teachers statewide; and
WHEREAS, many teachers contend with unreliable internet connectivity that interferes with the teachers' ability to provide online lessons to students; and
WHEREAS, wireless networking hotspots may not be available to teachers who provide online lessons to students; and
WHEREAS, internet access fees are a financial hardship for many teachers; and
WHEREAS, assistance with the payment of internet fees during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic would be beneficial to teachers;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the public education department be requested to assist school districts in providing internet access to teachers statewide; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that, if the public education department receives additional federal economic stimulus funds as a result of the coronavirus disease 2019, the department be requested to earmark a portion of those funds to pay for internet access for school teachers statewide; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that, if additional federal economic stimulus funds are received as a result of the coronavirus disease 2019, school districts be requested to provide to the public education department each month the number of teachers in the school district in need of assistance to pay for internet access costs and receipts from each teacher for actual expenses paid out of pocket for internet services; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that funds available pursuant to these provisions would only apply to teachers who had not been provided a Wi-Fi hotspot by the school district and had not returned to in-person teaching; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be transmitted to the secretary of public education.
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