As many of us in the St. Louis legislative delegation continue to fight for what’s right for Missouri families, I am proud to be a co-sponsor of a bill that will help us preserve good jobs and create more choices for how we get our telecommunications services.
House Bill 433 (and its companion bill, Senate Bill 237) updates Missouri’s decade-old telecom laws that haven’t kept up with the times. Think about it. How many of us even really knew what the internet’s potential was ten years ago? Who knew that our wireless phones would be the size of a credit card and be able to send pictures and allow us to play games and check sports scores?
We are using our wireless phones more and more these days. We’re sending email, instead of picking up the phone. And our cable companies are now offering phone service.
Missouri regulations don’t take those changes into account n and it’s preventing the companies that employ our region’s telecom workers from competing fairly. When you can’t offer the best services at the best prices, how much longer can you afford to keep good-paying jobs in our area?
Moreover, cable companies that offer phone service in Missouri are unregulated by Missouri’s regulatory body, the Public Service Commission. This provides them with an advantage, and consumers are denied the benefits of true and fair competition.
Some people are worried this bill will automatically cause phone rate increases. That’s not necessarily so. In fact, I wouldn’t have sponsored it if I thought it would hurt my constituents. With so much competition out there, it wouldn’t be smart for a company to raise rates to the point where we can just up and leave them.
Right now in Missouri, qualifying low-income families can get up to $8.75 off their phone bills n and, in May, Missouri’s Universal Service Fund kicks in that will offer even more discounts to those who need it. For some families, a basic local line will be practically free. These programs are called Lifeline and LinkUP n and I’ll make sure the people who need help will get it.
I know that no one will be left behind with the passage of HB 433. I’m ready for Missouri to move forward n to have a business environment that creates jobs and encourages investment and gives consumers the best services at the best prices.
I hope you will join me in support of HB 433
State Rep. Connie Johnson is Minority Whip for the Missouri House Democratic Caucus.