CONGRESSMAN DANNY DAVIS’ PRESSER TO ANNOUNCE A FEDERAL GRANT AND LEGISLATION TO BENEFIT THE NATION'S PARKS

Thank you for joining us today for this momentous occasion as we gather to announce a significant step forward in our commitment to the communities we serve. Today, I stand before you not only as Congressman Danny K. Davis but also as an advocate for progress, connectivity, and the well-being of our citizens.

I am thrilled to be joined by General Superintendent of the Chicago Park District, Rosa Escareno, as we unveil a federal community project grant and groundbreaking legislation aimed at transforming our local parks and communities across the United States. Our focus today is on the Columbus Park Field House Improvements project, a venture that holds the promise of accessibility, comfort, and utility for the residents on the west side of Chicago.

This project responds to the local need for space, upgrading the field house to enhance our constituents' quality of life. It's not just about physical improvements; it's about creating spaces where our community members can gather, engage, and thrive.

For the past five years, I have spearheaded the Technology in the Parks initiative in Columbus Park. Today, I am proud to announce that the lessons learned from this pilot program have inspired comprehensive legislation with three major components:

Firstly, we propose to expand the FCC E-rates program to include local parks. This initiative is crucial in bringing broadband access to these community spaces, aligning with the program's existing coverage for schools and libraries.

Secondly, our legislation aims to specifically include local parks in the U.S. General Services Computers for Learning Program. This will provide our parks with access to computer equipment that federal agencies have identified as excess property, facilitating technological advancements and digital literacy in our communities.

Lastly, we will require the U.S. Department of Labor to implement a program that provides grants for technology training programs in local parks. This not only supports skill development but also ensures that local parks hosting such programs are eligible for E-Rate support, creating a more connected and tech-savvy environment for all.

Moreover, I am pleased to share that over 50,000 households have already registered for the Affordability Connectivity Program, resulting in a savings of $18 million. Recognizing the potential impact, we estimate that an additional 50,000 households in the 7th Congressional District are eligible. To bridge this gap, I will be launching a public outreach initiative to encourage households to sign up, ensuring that the benefits of connectivity are extended to every corner of our community.  Residents can find additional information at davis.house.gov or call my office at 773-533-7520.

In conclusion, today marks a significant stride toward a more connected, empowered, and inclusive future for our communities. Together, with the Columbus Park Field House Improvements project and the proposed legislation, we are building a foundation for progress that will resonate far beyond the boundaries of our great city. Let this be a testament to what we can achieve when we invest in the well-being and advancement of our citizens.

Thank you, and let us look forward to a future where every park is a gateway to opportunity, connectivity, and community.