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Regular Session, 2010 ENROLLED
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTI ON NO. 19
BY SENATOR CROWE
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTI ON
To memorialize the Congress of the United States to utilize the power of technology to boost
American productivity and performance by consulting with state legislatures,
education, and computer organizations to ensure that every student has access to a
low-cost laptop.
WHEREAS, the personal computer is an indispensable twenty-first century learning
tool; and
WHEREAS, the decreasing cost of technology makes it possible to equip every
student with a portable, personal computer; and
WHEREAS, low-cost laptops are "twenty-first century textbooks" due to their
capacity to store thousands of books and research materials; and
WHEREAS, computer technology has been shown to improve academic
performance, attendance, and enthusiasm in classrooms; and
WHEREAS, according to a survey by the November 2007 Pew Internet & American
Life Project, one-fourth of Americans do not have computers at home; and
WHEREAS, the "digital divide" most sharply impacts the poor, racial and ethnic
minorities, people with disabilities, and residents of rural areas; and
WHEREAS, attaining universal access to communication technology is a goal
spelled out in the 1996 Telecommunications Act; and
WHEREAS, a nationwide push among state leaders to equip students with laptops
promises to fuel a new generation of math, science, and technology innovators; and
WHEREAS, computer proficiency is increasingly required by employers and
institutions of higher learning; and SCR NO. 19 ENROLLED
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WHEREAS, previous technology-focused efforts, such as the Technology
Opportunities Program and E-Rate, resulted in newfound information and communication
access for millions of students and thousands of schools; and
WHEREAS, the provision of low-cost laptops for all students would increase
learning in core subjects, improve literacy in technology essential for twenty-first century
skills, and stimulate creativity, all necessary in reaching the goal of academic excellence in
schools as well as developing a technical proficiency at an early age.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana memorializes
the Congress of the United States to utilize the power of technology to boost American
productivity and performance by consulting with state legislatures, education, and computer
organizations to ensure that every student has access to a low-cost laptop.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution shall be transmitted
to the secretary of the United States Senate and the clerk of the United States House of
Representatives and to each member of the Louisiana delegation to the United States
Congress.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES