From Senator Smith’s Office…

U.S. Sen. Tina Smith to Hold Virtual Discussion with Education Advocates, Parents, Students on Education Challenges as School Year Begins  

Watch Roundtable Discussion of Impact of Digital Divide,

Other Barriers to Distance Learning via Livestream

MINNESOTA [09/02/20]—On Thursday, September 3, U.S. Sen. Tina Smith (D-Minn.) will be joined via Zoom by education advocates, parents, and students from across Minnesota to discuss how the “digital divide” adds to the unprecedented challenges families face to stay connected as students return to school during the coronavirus pandemic.

You can view a Facebook livestream of the discussion here

At 1 p.m: Sen. Smith and the other participants will discuss the creative solutions that have been developed across the state to keep students connected and deal with other barriers to learning as the new school year begins.  

To deal with the digital divide, Sen. Smith has pushed to ensure broadband internet services are available across Minnesota, and has had her bipartisan measure to expand broadband services signed into law.  She has also supported $375 million in new funding for telecommunications-related programs as part of the major bipartisan coronavirus relief package passed earlier this year.

WHO: U.S. Sen. Tina Smith, education advocates, parents and students from across Minnesota

WHAT:  Virtual roundtable on how the digital divide, other barriers impact learning during pandemic

WHEN: Thursday, September 3 at 1 p.m.

WHERE:  View Facebook livestream of the discussion here