The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced that RAILS Director of Technology Services Anne Slaughter has been appointed the new Broadband Advisory Council Chair. Slaughter has been engaged with the council since its inception in 2019.
The Illinois Office of Broadband works closely with the BAC to “inform and advise the Connect Illinois program.” The 25-member council includes representatives from internet service providers, state agencies, legislators, and other broadband-related stakeholders.
Within the Illinois library community, Slaughter has been heavily involved in digital equity coalition and partnership-building, continuing education and networking opportunities, legislative advocacy, and raising awareness about this important issue. This includes helping launch and promote the BroadbandforLibraries.com website and being involved in efforts to develop regional relationships between libraries around common broadband and digital equity goals.
“We’re so proud of what Anne has accomplished in the area of broadband and digital equity,” said RAILS Executive Director Monica Harris. “This is part of RAILS Strategic Plan: to support member libraries’ efforts to provide equitable, diverse, and inclusive services. Through consistent advocacy and engagement, Anne has put libraries in a better place to utilize incoming federal and state funding.”
“Libraries are a vital part of our broadband efforts in the state of Illinois,” said Devon Braunstein, DCEO Deputy Director, Illinois Office of Broadband. “They are hubs of collaboration, inspiration, and connectivity. We appreciate Anne’s passion for libraries and her ability to bring people together for a common purpose. We look forward to what we’ll accomplish with Anne as the new Broadband Advisory Council chair.”
For more information on how libraries can be involved in shaping the future of Illinois broadband and digital equity, please visit the RAILS Broadband and Digital Equity Pulse page.