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Politics & Government

Schakowsky Explains How Schools Can Get Free Computers

Congresswoman holds forum to help local communities benefit from federal programs.

Free computers for schools in the northern suburbs are just one service local officials learned was available from the federal government at a forum sponsored by Friday at the Skokie campus of . 

“There are a number of goods and services available for free from federal agencies,” Schakowsky said. “We can provide access to these through our office and will work with all the communities to help.” 

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The computers are excess inventory the GSA no longer needs. They have to show a need,” Schakowsky said. The intent is to provide students and schools without resources for computers the opportunity to have them. “That’s the idea,” Schakowsky said. 

Des Plaines knows the computers are free but also understands the need to write grant applications that will bring the machines to his community. 

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“They have great equipment, free computers that are in good shape,” Moylan said. “It’s up to us or the agency (like a school district) to show the need. I know we can.” 

Schakowsky made it clear her staff is prepared to help local municipalities like Glenview, Skokie, Des Plaines, Niles, Wilmette, Winnetka and others in her district obtain competitive grants. 

“They can get help through the (federal) agencies and our office learning how to ask for money so it will be awarded to them,” Schakowsky said. “We will help them provide access to the agencies.” 

With budgets shrinking at all levels of government, Schakowsky brought leaders together from the 9th Congressional District to learn what is still possible. She and representatives from different departments of the federal government let people know the possibilities. 

“We want to reach out to communities to offer this opportunity as a way to find goods and services and not take it out of their budget,” Schakowsky said. 

Schakowsky assembled representatives from the General Services Administration (GSA), The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Education, the Department of Labor and the Environmental Protection Agency.

Skokie Mayorlearned about more than free computers for schools. He learned about the ability to work with buying groups through the federal government to acquire cars and computers for his village. 

“We currently use the state and Northwest Municipal Conference,” Dan Dusen said of existing cooperative intergovernmental efforts. “This adds one more alternative for our use.” Schakowsky said the Department of Defense has cars with no more than 30,000 miles available for auction. 

Many of the potential competitive grants and services were unknown to Van Dusen like the buying groups. He left the meeting thankful to Schakowsky and with more ways for Skokie to balance its budget without a tax increase.

“I wasn’t aware of the extent Homeland Secuirty, FEMA and the GSA had local offerings that can help,” Van Dusen said. “It’s very important for local municipalities to find ways to save money.” 

Moylan learned about a program to help people in flood prone areas. “There’s a program that buys land in flood areas,” he said. “I want to learn more about that.” 

Free training for police officers and fire fighters to handle emergencies is also available. “Classes are available for first responders,” Schakowsky said. 

Besides the availability of beneficial federal programs, Moylan likes having the opportunity to meet regional representatives of agencies like GSA, FEMA and Homeland Security. He never knows when it will help his community. 

“The networking is real good,” Moylan said. “It’s good to get to know the (regional) agency heads so we know who to call when we need it. We are grateful to her (Schakowsky).”

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