Rural Information Technology Investment Act

The association often follows measures that are tied to rural and community economic development which typically have a direct connection to the type and level of communications services that may be available in a rural community or market area, and that are often important to the survival of such communities and market areas. We continually visit with policymakers about the connection between advanced telecommunications technologies and the ability of rural communities to survive and contribute to the general economic and national security. H.R. 5727-To authorize the Secretary of Labor to make grants for the establishment of information technology centers in rural areas.

Client expense: $80,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Agriculture, Dept of (USDA), Executive Office of the President (EOP), Federal Communications Commission (FCC), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Labor, Dept of (DOL), Natl Telecommunications & Information Administration (NTIA), SENATE

The association often follows measures that are tied to rural and community economic development which typically have a direct connection to the type and level of communications services that may be available in a rural community or market area and that are often important to the survival of such communities and market areas. We continually visit with policymakers about the connection between advanced telecommunications technologies and the ability of rural communities to survive and contribute to the general economic and national security. During this reporting period, the association focused particular attention on several bills related to universal service and broadband, which are listed under the TEC subject heading. The association also focused particular attention on the following legislation: Telework/Telecommute: H.R. 4106- To improve teleworking in executive agencies by developing a telework program that allows employees to telework at least 20 percent of the hours worked in every two administrative workweeks and for other purposes-all sections. H.R. 5727- To authorize the Secretary of Labor to make grants for the establishment of information technology centers in rural areas-all sections. S. 1000-To enhance the Federal Telework Program by requiring each federal executive agency, within a prescribed time period, to establish a policy that to the maximum extent possible, without diminishing employee performance or agency operation, allows for each employee to participate in telework-all sections.

Client expense: $15,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Agriculture, Dept of (USDA), Federal Communications Commission (FCC), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Labor, Dept of (DOL), Natl Telecommunications & Information Administration (NTIA), SENATE