Dear Fellow Kentuckians,

During the past year, ConnectKentucky and its partners witnessed dramatic adoption of the ConnectKentucky model across the country.  Ten states across the country are actively engaged in components of the ConnectKentucky model.  Moreover, the US Congress passed the Broadband Data Improvement Act of 2008 (BDIA), which contains the five major components of the Kentucky model.

With passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, funding is available to enact the BDIA. The opportunity exists for states, Kentucky included, to fund not only broadband infrastructure projects, but to fund demand stimulation, awareness, and technology inclusion programs through the broadband stimulus package. ConnectKentucky now has the opportunity to leverage private sector investment and foundation funds for advance programs like the Computer 4 Kids, which has delivered more than 3,000 computers and other technology resources to community centers, libraries, disadvantaged children, and other nonprofits serving underprivileged families.

By focusing on core elements of a successful economy in the 21st Century, ConnectKentucky promotes and leverages many advantages of living and working in a connected Commonwealth. Core economic elements impacted by technology inclusion programs include: 

• Telework:  Leverage technology and broadband access to make government and businesses more efficient and productive, while reducing costs, improving the environment and providing new opportunities for rural Kentuckians.
• Healthcare:  Improve services and greater access through robust eHealth initiatives that will improve healthcare treatment and reduce system costs.
• Education:  Initiate and promote programs that prepare Kentucky’s children to prosper in a globally networked world through enhanced online educational access.
• Government:  Ensure that state and local government leaders are appropriately planning and implementing the most relevant technology solutions to provide convenient eGovernment services for citizens.
• Economic Development:  Create a competitive economic advantage for attracting today’s high-tech jobs to replace the decline of traditional low-skilled jobs.

ConnectKentucky and its partners will continue their work to ensure the dramatic improvement in quality of life and keep Kentucky the place of choice to live, work and raise a family.

Sincerely,

John R. Hall, Chairman

ConnectKentucky Steering Committee