Californian Introduces Classroom Technology Improvement Bill

Earlier today, California Congressman Randy "Duke" Cunningham (San Diego) introduced legislation to provide tax incentives, in the form of a deduction, to businesses that donate computer technology, equipment, and software to schools and non-profits involved in primary and secondary education. Additionally, corporations that contribute cash to primary and secondary educational institutions and non-profits for the purpose of purchasing computer-related items will receive a 110 percent tax credit for their donations. Given the California economy's reliance on skilled technical labor and the state's low national ranking in primary and secondary school spending, this tax incentive could significantly benefit California's schools. Rep. Cunningham introduced the legislation in response to a recent GAO report entitled "America's Schools Are Not Designed Or Equipped For The 21st Century." As the title suggests, the document concluded that America's classrooms are lacking the computer technology necessary for school children to develop needed computer literacy. For instance, only 14 percent of classrooms have the type of phone jack needed to access the Internet, and a mere one in fifty classrooms is actually connected to the Internet. Those schools fortunate enough to own computers often must use machines which are nearly obsolete, according to the report.

Volume 4, Bulletin 10 -- March 20, 1997