OTAN News
Read, Write, Advocate! State Digital Equity Plans Out Now for Public Comment
Photo by Marvin Meyer on Unsplash
In the July 19th, 2023, World Education Blogpost, as part of Transforming Immigrant Digital Equity (TIDE), published some next recommendations for adult educators and advocates to ensure both adult learners and adult education systems are included in California’s Digital Equity Plan. The blogpost recommends each advocate to participate heavily in public commenting.
With plans due “in the fall through early winter, “most states are now preparing to share the draft of their plan for public comment over the next few months, and your input will be the key.”
What is public commenting?
Public commenting is open to everyone interested in the topic under consideration. It is an “opportunity for the general public to provide feedback on proposed governmental rules and regulations.” This allows for “inclusivity in rule-making processes.”
Where can I find more information about California’s State Digital Equity Plan?
California Broadband for All – housed within the California Department of Technology led by Deputy Director of Broadband and Digital Literacy, Scott Adams, is still holding in-person and virtual working group meetings across the state. Click this link Digital Equity Act Leads and Activities by State for live, updated information about California’s process. Additionally, interested people can go to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration for the Public Notice Posting of State and Territory BEAD (Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment) and Digital Equity Plans/Proposals. These links will keep advocates apprised of all updates and next steps for advocacy.
What should I include in my public comment?
The blogpost recommends referring to their “checklist” for more detailed information about what to include in public comment. “The checklist is not meant to be used as a comprehensive evaluation of a State Digital Equity Plan, but rather as a tool to identify opportunities where the adult education field can further support the state’s digital equity efforts.” For a further list of starting points, refer to the full article.
The blogpost promotes including learners in public comments. Further suggestions for how to include them are also listed in the full article.
What will states do with the comments they receive?
According to the post, States are required to 1. Describe any changes they made to the plan in response to received comments, and 2. write a response to each comment received.