I have been invited to a ceremony tomorrow afternoon, Wednesday, May 30, at which the Governor will sign House Bill 227, the Consumer Choice for Television Act.  Introduced by Representative Jeff Lewis, Chairman of the House Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications Committee, this bill reforms the video franchise laws to encourage competition to cable television providers.

AT&T plans to offer television service over telephone lines, and this bill should accelerate the offering. 

The Senate Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee worked on this issue for almost a year, and I was pleased to carry the bill for Chairman Lewis in the Senate.  The final product represents a good effort by the House and Senate and the various interest groups.  I am a strong believer in the benefits of competition.  This bill should help bring about better offerings, improved service and lower prices.

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