As school resumed in September, the mayors of Tigard, Tualatin, and Forest Grove banded together to write an opinion piece that was published in The Oregonian reminding readers that internet access is key to student success. The article lauded Comcast’s Internet Essentials program, which offers low-cost internet access and subsidized computers for veterans who receive state or federal assistance, and anyone who qualifies for HUD housing assistance or the National School Lunch Program. Mayor Pete Truax of Forest Grove, Mayor Lou Ogden of Tualatin, and Mayor John Cook of Tigard called Internet Essentials “…exactly the type of initiative that can make a difference to people living across the metro area and throughout our local communities.”
And they haven’t stopped touting the benefits of Internet Essentials. All three mayors took time from their busy schedules to participate in a video shoot promoting this digital inclusion initiative.
Since Internet Essentials launched, more than 140,000 low-income Oregonians have received low-cost internet access at home. But as the mayors said, there’s still so much more that needs to be done. Their recommendations: more private companies step up to provide low-cost options for qualifying families. And help spreading the word about programs like Internet Essentials to schools, non-profits and government agencies.
