From: WREA Executive Director Jane Elmer
[jelmer@wrea.net]
Sent: Monday, April 19, 2010 4:33 PM
To:
Rep.Kerkman
Subject: WREA Opposes Phone Deregulation--AB 696 and
Companion Bill SB 469
Subject: WREA Opposes Phone
Deregulation--AB 696 and Companion Bill SB 469
Dear Representative:
The Wisconsin
Retired Educators’ Association (WREA) represents 14,000 members
statewide. WREA opposes AB 696/SB 469, legislation that allows
telephone deregulation. WREA hopes you will join with us in opposing this
legislation.
AB 696/SB 469 are
companion bills that allow telephone companies to no
longer be considered telecommunications utilities. As a result,
there would be no oversight by the Public Service Commission (PSC). Phone
companies could increase their rates without receiving approval from the PSC,
the PSC would no longer have the authority to handle consumer complaints about
phone service, and companies would not be required to submit profit and expense
information to the PSC.
Deregulation favors
big business. The loss of important protections would have unfortunate
implications and consequences for residential consumers and small companies who
depend on them.
Thank you for your consideration.
Jane Elmer, WREA Executive Director and Lobbyist
jelmer@wrea.net; 608-824-1721