Pulling Your Lege

The Texas Legislature continues its crazed run through the 2005 session, bobbing and weaving like a rodeo bull on steroids. There is a lot to talk about, and I do want to get to the big issue of the session, school finance. But first, I can't resist a few words about an issue that affects a lot of the Panhandle (though not Amarillo proper), high-speed internet access.

High-speed service is quickly becoming not a luxury, but a necessity, especially for schools and businesses. Many small communities do not have that service, however; it is deemed unprofitable by the corporate service providers. Communities all over the country, both large and small, are beginning to view this as much a necessity as basic phone service, and some have made moves to install their own systems, for the benefit of the whole community. In Texas, such moves would be blocked by HB789, written by the corporate service providers, presumably to protect their future markets. The bill was introduced by District 61 Rep. Phil King (R, Weatherford). Naturally, rural Texans have been sending letters to the Lege, wondering why they are being ill-treated. Rep. King responded to one such inquiry with the following revealing comment:

Thank you for voicing your concern over the section in HB789 dealing with municipal internet service providers. As you may know, this bill is still being debated in committee. It is of vital importance that I receive as much input as possible, so that the House Committee on Regulated Industries may make an informed decision on changes that should be made. Please try to understand that sustaining a free market in the telecommunications industry is at the root of every decision the committee makes on these issues.

Hmmm. And here I thought it just might be the interests of his constituents that was of greatest concern to Rep. King.

Blogger has been a bit difficult today, so I've got to end this here. I promise I'll get to school finance next week!

DEMOPHOENIX