IL SR0435

Celebrates the 150th anniversary (sesquicentennial) of the Morrill Land Grant College Act of 1862, which provided 30,000 acres of federal land per Congressional representative to establish public colleges focused on agriculture and mechanical arts, including the University of Illinois.

Commemorates Illinois institutions' pioneering work in broadband Internet infrastructure and digital literacy, including the Illinois Century Network (serving 9,000 schools and libraries), Rural Health Net programs, and community technology centers established since the 1990s.

Requests Illinois Senate and House committees to work with higher education, telecommunications, economic development, and healthcare bodies to plan Morrill Act sesquicentennial celebration events during 2012, including at county fairs and the Illinois State Fair.

Directs development of Illinois Broadband Awareness Programs through Partnership for a Connected Illinois and community institutions to promote digital skills and connectivity addressing seven national broadband needs: health, economic opportunity, education, energy and environment, government performance, civic engagement, and public safety.

Notes that broadband investments demonstrate a 10-times return-on-investment in economic activity and that Illinois must increase statewide Internet connectivity from current 65-70% to 85-95% to remain globally competitive.