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from: The Badger Herald

Cable bill reaches governor’s office

by Jessi Polsky
Thursday, December 13, 2007

The Wisconsin State Assembly passed the Video Competition Act Tuesday night, making Gov. Doyle’s signature the last step before the bill becomes law.

If signed by Doyle, the bill will take the power to grant video franchises from local municipalities and place it in the hands of the state government.

The legislation was introduced to address issues in the cable industry stemming from technological advancements, Rep. Phil Montgomery, R-Ashwaubenon, said Wednesday.

“This landmark legislation will reform Wisconsin’s archaic cable franchising process by promoting competition, not stifling it, as the current process has done for years,” Montgomery said in a statement.

Under current law, local municipalities maintain control over video franchises through revenue sharing agreements. Montgomery said this act will improve the existing system by “streamlining and centralizing the application process at the state level.”

But George Twigg, spokesperson for Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz, said the mayor feels the legislation is unnecessary, adding Cieslewicz requested Doyle veto some aspects of the bill before signing it into law.

“It causes more harm than good,” Twigg said. “Statewide legislation was not necessary.”

Among other issues with the act passed by the Assembly, Twigg said it does not address public access programming.

“The bill would eliminate [public access programming] funding after three years,” Twigg said. “The bill also does not really contain adequate consumer protection provisions.”

Yet Montgomery said consumer protections would increase if the legislation becomes law because the act will lead to increased competition.

“Customer service will be enhanced as video service providers fight to retain existing customers and lure new customers,” Montgomery said. “Competition will also translate into increased programming options.”

Madison will also lose power if the bill passes, because “regulation of the city rights-of-way would be diminished under the bill,” Twigg said.

Twigg said Doyle has indicated he will sign the legislation.