Hispanic Group Joins FCC Opposition
WASHINGTON -- A group of 18 civil rights organizations submitted a letter to the leadership of the House and Senate Commerce Committees expressing their disappointment with FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski's proposal to regulate the Internet. These organizations are extremely troubled by the potential implications that the FCC's recent adoption of a Notice of Inquiry on broadband classification will have. As a result, the signers are calling on Congress to clarify the Commission's authority over the Internet with narrow, targeted legislation. Classifying the Internet as a Title II service distracts from, and may ultimately undermine the pursuit of a National Broadband Plan, which would provide broadband access to every American. This will disproportionately impact those who are already lacking broadband access and will serve to increase the digital divide in America. At a time when too many Americans lack access to the opportunities enabled by broadband, policies that expand broadband access must be a priority. Additional direction from Congress will provide clarity so investment, innovation and job creation in the broadband market can be maintained. The letter's signers were encouraged by a June 18 letter from the AFL-CIO, NAACP, LULAC and other leading labor, environmental and civil rights organizations to Congressional leaders which called for congressional intervention. Following the letter's release, Labor Council for Latin American Advancement National President, Milton Rosado stated, "We are not convinced that Chairman Genachowski's 'third way' plan will result in the continued affordability and availability of broadband service. At this time, congressional direction is imperative to achieving the goals of the National Broadband Plan." In order to maintain an open and affordable Internet, Congress must take action to directly address this pivotal issue and the Commission's "third way" proposal be abandoned. To access the letter sent to members of Congress on LCLAA's website, please click here. About the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement The Labor Council for Latin American Advancement, LCLAA is the home of the Latino Labor Movement. LCLAA is a national Latino organization representing the interests of over 1.7 million Latino trade unionists throughout the country and the Common Wealth of Puerto Rico. LCLAA was founded in 1973 and is America's premier national organization for Latino workers and their families. LCLAA advocates for the rights of all workers seeking justice in the workplace and their communities. LCLAA is a constituency group representing Latino workers in both the AFL-CIO and Change to Win Federation. Visit us at www.lclaa.org
