The state Assembly voted Tuesday against sending a new bill to the Joint Finance Committee after an all-day session. The bill would give the state more licensing control over the cable market, while at the same time foster competition.
Partisan controversy surrounded Assembly Bill 207, forcing lawmakers to stand in recess for several hours during a Democratic caucus.
Proponents of the bill say it will decrease the sales tax and encourage higher-quality service through competition.
Many legislators, however, claim it is flawed and asked the Joint Finance Committee to take a closer look at it. The Assembly denied this request with a 46-50 vote.
""In Wisconsin Rapids we have competition for service, and the rates are way [lower] than they are in Stevens Point because of the competition,"" said state Rep. Marlin Schneider, D-Wisconsin Rapids. ""But I would sure like to know what the long-range implications are.""
Some cited the substantial fiscal impact on state revenue as a reason for the controversy. Estimates place the cost at around $300,000.
Madison residents, however, say they are excited by the idea of more competition in the cable market.
""Being an apartment holder, it would be very good to have more competition because it drives the prices down,"" said UW-Madison junior Christine Schimanke. ""What I use right now is very expensive.""
Hidden motives of some cable companies involved in the bill have been criticized —such as the decreased restrictions on programming.
""I don't have a problem with the general premise of the bill, I respect the fact that AT&T has good family supporting jobs,"" said state Rep. Mark Pocan, D-Madison.
""But why is it that we have more suits in the hallways today than they have on the racks of Macy's? They want to get this bill done no matter how many lobbying hours it takes.""
A similar bill is in the state Senate and was sent to the Joint Finance Committee Monday.
""From Senator Robson's perspective, she likes the progress the bill has made and where it's come,"" said Josh Wescott, chief of staff for state Senate Majority Leader Judy Robson, D-Beloit. ""There have been a lot of amendments put on here in recent weeks to make sure it's a better deal for Wisconsin consumers and communities that provide cable-access programming as well.""
""She likes the legislation and she wants it to pass, but she also wants to make sure we are following the proper process,"" he added. ""Part of that is to make sure that the committee who controls the state-purse strings gets a chance to take a look at it too.""
