> Policy Committee Session TELECOMMUNICATIONS, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2006 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm Churchill II Chair Rep. Tyrone Ellis (MS) 1st Vice Chair Sen. Ada L. Smith (NY) 2nd Vice Chair Rep. Eric Pettigrew (WA) NBCSL Policy Staff Faye Anderson JURISDICTION This committee reviews and addresses telecommunications, and science and technology issues that affect minorities. It assesses deregulation and its impact on African Americans’ access to advanced information networks, taxation and rate setting. The committee recommends policy and programs to promote the participation of African Americans in the telecommunications industry. The committee also develops and promotes the integration of technology in K-12 curricula; promotes an increase in the representation of African Americans in engineering and other technical professions; and assesses the impact of technology on the development of untapped economic markets, as well as civic participation. TOPIC Broadband Digital Divide and Why It Matters In 2004, President Bush set a goal of bringing “universal, affordable access for broadband technology” to every household by 2007. Panelists will discuss what needs to be done to meet President Bush’s goal and the implications of being left behind on the Internet’s slow lane. They will provide an overview of public and private initiatives to promote universal affordable broadband access. They will also discuss the consumer, educational and community benefits of ubiquitous broadband access. PANELISTS Chris Baker AARP Public Policy Institute H. Randall Goldsmith, Ph.D. President and CEO, Mississippi Technology Alliance Link Hoewing Assistant Vice President of Internet and Technology Issues, Verizon Julia Johnson President, NetCommunications