Today at CoSN’s Annual Conference in Portland, the organizationpresented its 2019 Excellence in Public Service Award to U.S. Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) and Tom Cole (R-OK).
The award recognizes national, state or local officials who have promoted the use of classroom technology to improve teaching and learning. Past recipients include current and former U.S. Senators, governors, as well as officials from the Federal Communications Commission. Award recipients further support CoSN’s policy and advocacy leadership.
As a leader on the House Committee on Education and Labor, Rep. Bonamici has been a vocal supporter for increased Title IV-A funding. Among other investments, school districts may use Title IV-A for education technology infrastructure and digital learning professional development. She is also an active member of the Committee on Science, Space and Technology and is the founder and co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional STEAM Caucus. The caucus “aims to encourage innovation and creative thinking by integrating arts and design with Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math education.”
As former Chairman and now Ranking Member of the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee, Rep. Cole’s support has been essential to secure substantial increased funding for the Student Support and Academic Enrichment Block Grant (ESSA, Title IV-A) in fiscal years 2018 and 2019. Under his leadership, this year’s funding has increased to $1.17 billion — a significant and important increase from $400 million in the past two years.
To learn more about the award, and to see past winners, visit: cosn.org/about/awards/award-excellence-public-service.
