Information Highway

Your Jan. 23 editorial on connecting classrooms and libraries to the information highway identified the vitally important question of public access to the information highway. But your discussion did not articulate that universal access includes much more than simply connecting to the information highway. We need to accompany that connection with the associated capabilities to make that connection functional. That means wiring the classrooms, providing computers and software, training the teachers and librarians, and making usage charges affordable. Only then will we have true access to the formidable capabilities of the information highway.

If we believe that public access to the information highway is essential, and I do, then we must find a means to pay for it. As chair of the Assembly Utilities and Commerce Committee I am committed to finding a solution and would welcome the input of others. Because there is a consensus on the need for universal access and a recognition of the value of computers in schools and libraries, I am certain that a solution will emerge this year that will ensure true universal access.

GWEN MOORE

State Assembly, D-Los Angeles