The FCC has released its Fiscal Year 2016 budget request, totaling $388 million. With this request, the Commission is seeking to transfer $25 million from the Universal Service Fund for the Office of Inspector General (OIG) to provide additional oversight of the Universal Service programs, which includes the E-rate program.
The FCC reiterated its E-rate performance goals in the budget request, which include:
-Modernize the E-rate program to effectively meet the needs of 21st Century schools and libraries;
-Focus funding on delivering faster broadband speeds to schools and libraries and WiFi throughout to support digital learning in schools and robust connectivity for libraries;
-Maximize the cost-effectiveness of spending for E-rate supported purchases;
-Make the E-rate application process and other E-rate processes as fast, simple and efficient as possible with appropriate oversight.
The FY 2016 FCC Budget can be viewed here: http://www.fundsforlearning.com/docs/2015/02/DOC-331817A1-FCC%202016%20Budget-02-12-2015.pdf.
