Today, Congressman Henry Cuellar announced that a $148,138.73 grant will be awarded to the Floresville Independent School District through the Schools and Libraries Program of the Universal Service Fund, commonly known as “E-RATE.”  This federal program will provide Floresville Independent School District funding for telecommunications, Internet access and digital lines.

 “The Floresville Independent School District is proud to receive over $148,000 in federal funding from the E-RATE grant,” said David Vinson, Floresville Independent School District Superintendent. “Thanks to Congressman Cuellar, our voices are being heard in Washington.  He is a friend of Floresville and a friend to our children.”

In addition to the Priority 1 funding, Congressman Cuellar is also taking steps to reclassify Floresville High School to rural status in order to qualify the school for Priority 2 funding. Priority 2 provides funding to replace phone systems, wireless equipment, and network improvements for the neediest school districts.

“With Congressman Cuellar’s help, our district and the greater Wilson County could receive upgrades to our communications infrastructure and could include broadband Internet service, which is substantially more than even this amount,” said Mr. Vinson.
 
E-rate is administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) under the direction of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). E-rate is one of four support programs funded through a Universal Service fee charged to companies that provide interstate and/or international communication services.

“As part of my commitment to enhance the education our youth receives, I am proud that I have helped secure funds for Floresville ISD,” said Congressman Cuellar. “I will continue to meet with parents, students, faculty and staff to discuss the tools needed for students’ success.”

For more information on federal grants, feel free to contact the Office of Congressman Henry Cuellar at 1-877-780-0028.

Congressman Henry Cuellar is a member of the House Homeland Security, Small Business, and Agriculture Committees in the 110th Congress; accessibility to constituents, education, health care, economic development and national security are his priorities. Congressman Cuellar is also a Senior Whip.

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