Action Alert
National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors
CALL TODAY - URGE YOUR SENATORS TO OPPOSE ADVANCED TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND OPPORTUNITIES REFORM ACT (H.R. 5252)The Advanced Telecommunications and Opportunity Reform Act (H.R.
5252), formerly known as the Communications, Consumer’s
Choice, and Broadband Deployment Act of 2006 (S. 2686), preempts
state and local tax authority, limits broadband-video competition
to a few well-to-do neighborhoods, undermines local cable television
franchising enforcement and compliance authority, and
weakens the ability of local governments to protect their residents.
Senator Stevens is pushing and seeking commitments from other
Senators now to
lock in their votes for closure on debate and
a vote on the floor - now is the
time to ACT!
them this bill is bad, to vote against closing debate on this
bill, and to vote “no” if this bill comes to the Senate floor. Follow the
instructions provided and immediately urge them to
OPPOSE this bill.
Consider asking for an appointment while the Senator is home for the August recess.
Please call the following official(s):
1. U.S. Senator Norm Coleman
(651) 645-0323 St. Paul office
2.
U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar
(612) 727-5220
St. Paul office
Talking Points:
Stevens (S2686/HR 5252) would harm consumers, cities and
counties in many ways, including:
2) 1.
It fails to keep local governments financially whole because it
strips state and
local governments of tax authority over
broadband and wireless
telecommunications services. The McCain
and Allen amendments are premature and
will have significant
negative consequences on state and local revenues.
the neighborhoods in which they want to provide video and broadband
services, while allowing them to bypass other neighborhoods
completely. These advanced services are critical to the well being of
all of the citizens of our communities - far too important to
allow the individual companies to decide who should or should not
have access.
4) 3.
It would replace strong state and
local consumer protection and
customer
service standards with federal standards
drafted by federal
bureaucrats not
accountable to state and local communities
and consumers. Consumers do not
experience one size fits all
problems, and
should not be forced into a one size fits
all solution.
laws that encourage competition and protect the public interest. The
national organizations representing state and local elected officials
(NGA, NCSL, CSG, NACo, NLC, USCM and ICMA) are all opposed
to this legislation.
6)
PLEASE vote against (cloture) closing debate on this bill, and
please vote “no”
if this bill comes to the Senate floor.
http://capwiz.com/natoa/callalert/index.tt?alertid=8943011
Thank you for getting involved!