Rep. Flaherty successfully promotes statewide broadband legislation
Legislative Council focuses on critical legislation
 
AUGUSTA – Rep. Sean Flaherty’s bill to provide clear guidelines for leveraging public and private investments for the betterment of broadband coverage throughout the state was selected to be considered by the full Legislature during the second session of the 124th Maine Legislature, which convenes on Jan. 6.  The shorter second session will focus only on select items in an effort to save taxpayer dollars in tough financial times.
 
“It is critical for the state to clearly define standards, goals and strategies to successfully move forward in increasing broadband in Maine,” said Flaherty, D-Scarborough. “The advancement of broadband access throughout the state is essential for economic development.”
 
The bill, LR 2173, is supported by the Telephone Association of Maine, the business association supporting over 20 independent telephone companies that serve more than 150,000 phone lines statewide.
 
As it exists today, each group involved in expanding broadband coverage – the Broadband Strategy Council, ConnectME and the Public Utilities Commission – has its individual standards for providing broadband access to the state and for utilizing federal stimulus dollars. Furthermore, each group has its own strategy and goals for promoting statewide access, and thus it is essential to provide universal guidelines to more effectively serve the people and businesses within the state.
 
“This bill is the perfect example of how public-private partnerships can work to the benefit of everyone involved – both businesses and consumers,” said Flaherty. “In a rural state like Maine, it is imperative that our businesses can connect to worldwide markets, and broadband access is how we achieve that. This bill will not only improve the process for individual companies, but it will greatly, and positively, impact the entire state, in an effort to promote continued and prosperous growth.”
 
In Maine, the second session of the Legislature is reserved for bills that fall into one of four broad categories:  bills relating to the budget, bills submitted by the governor, emergency legislation and legislation carried over from the first session. Citizen-initiated bills can also be considered during the second session.
 
The Legislative Council, which is made up of six Democrats and four Republicans, has approved 161 bills for consideration by the full Legislature.  In addition to bills voted in Oct. 15 and the bills that were voted in on appeal, the Legislature will consider 88 bills carried over from last session and 75 submitted by state agencies.
 
A list of the bills that were approved is available at: http://www.maine.gov/legis/lio/publications.htm.

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