MEDIA ADVISORY: Federal Funding Slashed, State Leaders Gather to Chart Path Forward

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AUGUSTA, Maine – Three grants totaling $35M in funding for Maine were terminated by the federal government in May, leaving 130,000 Mainers without the digital skills training and technology assistance they need to successfully use the internet. The funding loss disproportionately impacts Maine’s most vulnerable populations, including seniors, rural communities, small businesses, veterans, and students.

Maine’s Digital Equity Alliance gathers for the third annual Digital Opportunity Workshop, with a very different mission at hand – how to provide meaningful support in light of significant federal cuts. The in-person meeting will bring together 70+ members of Maine’s digital opportunity and broadband community to plan for the future in the wake of terminated funding.

The grant funding had focused on providing everyone in Maine with the skills and technology to safely and meaningfully use the internet. It is critical that this work continues, to ensure that no one is left in the digital dark – empowering people, businesses, institutions, and communities to thrive in a connected world.

Maine Connectivity Authority, Maine State Library, National Digital Inclusion Alliance, National Digital Equity Center, Maine Development Foundation, AARP Maine, Maine Broadband Coalition, the University of Maine System, and National Telehealth Resource Center will all participate in the day-long session (agenda here).

This event is also taking place during Digital Opportunity Week in Maine.

WHEN: Tuesday, October 7 from 9am–4pm

WHERE: University of Maine at Augusta, Jewett Hall (9488, 46 University Dr., Augusta ME)

WHO:

Jessica Perez, Maine Connectivity Authority

Jan Kearce, Maine Development Foundation

Gina Benjamin, National Digital Inclusion Alliance

Daniel McGloin, University of Maine at Augusta

Danielle Louder, National Telehealth Resource Center

Susan Corbett, National Digital Equity Center

Marijke Visser, Maine State Library

Alf Anderson, AARP Maine

Joe Oliva, Maine Broadband Coalition

Chris Martin, give IT. get IT.



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About MCA: Focusing on projects, places and people, the Maine Connectivity Authority (MCA) advances digital opportunity and works to improve connectivity for all Maine people. Established in 2021, MCA is Maine’s public agency charged with achieving universal access to reliable, affordable high-speed internet service statewide. MCA has three statutory goals:


Expand effective, accessible connectivity in every part of the state;
Support the creation of secure, affordable, reliable, competitive, sustainable and forward-looking internet infrastructure that can meet future needs; and
Ensure that all residents, businesses and institutions in Maine are able to take full advantage of the economic, health, educational and other opportunities available through connectivity services.