RESOLUTION SUPPORTING S-3062,
“Telecommunications-Cable Television Deregulation Ensuring Consumer Protection Act"

WHEREAS, at a time when all municipal revenues are reduced and facing further threat, the need for stability and predictability in video telecommunications is paramount for municipalities and our taxpayers; and

WHEREAS, all video franchise fees, all PEG channels, all equipment and training and return feeds are vitally important to keeping communications open through local access channels and programming; and

WHEREAS, Mayors and municipal officials give a high priority to the requirements for free Internet and basic cable outlets for all libraries and all municipal buildings served by statewide franchises; and

WHEREAS, existing law requires all cable companies that convert from a municipal consent-based franchise to a system-wide franchise to pay a 4% franchise fee; and

WHEREAS, recently proposed legislation would fundamentally alter the regulation of telephone and cable television service in New Jersey, resulting in widespread opposition from consumer groups and advocates as well as municipalities; and,

WHEREAS, in response, S-3062 has now been introduced as an alternative to protect the existing System wide Franchise and keeping in place necessary protections for municipalities,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, video franchise related revenue and benefits must not be reduced by the State, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Governing Body of the (insert name of the municipality) supports S-3062, which is currently assigned to the Senate Economic Growth Committee, and urges it swift passage; and,

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED,  that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to Senator Bob Smith, the primary sponsor of S-3062, the members of the Senate Economic Growth Committee, the Senate Leadership; (insert respective State Senator and Assembly representatives); the Governor of the State of New Jersey; and the New Jersey State League of Municipalities.