The General Assembly finds that the growth of high technology industry, including computers, the Internet, and advanced telecommunications, has created a division in society. Those who are able to master the tools of the new digital technology and have access to the technology have benefited in the form of improved employment possibilities and a higher standard of life. Those who are unfamiliar with the new technologies, or do not have access to them, are increasingly constrained to marginal employment and a standard of living near the poverty level. This “digital divide” parallels existing economic, racial, and gender divisions in society, with the more privileged members of society having much greater opportunity to benefit from the new technologies than those who are less favorably situated. It is the purpose of this Law to establish educational and economic development initiatives that will bridge the digital divide, making possible a society in which all individuals can benefit from the opportunities provided by the new technologies.