LOC News
Cities - Key Broadband Bills Need a Final Push!
This may be the last LOC Bulletin alert on HB 2449 (9-1-1 bill) and the broadband package represented by HB 2173/HB 2184. The LOC, along with several partners, has been working to advance these bills through the Legislature.
The objective now is to secure as many votes as possible from the Republican Caucus to ensure a 3/5 requirement for HB 2449 and majority for the broadband package. With some additional contacts in the targeted caucus, cities can help bring both these bills across the finish line.
Contact with Republican representatives and senators needs to happen today!
Here are some talking points to use as a framework for your city’s personal story. Cities should share how their community will benefit from additional 9-1-1 revenue and expanded broadband.
HB 2449 – (9-1-1) – the LOC is focused on Republican Senators who need some extra contact in order to build a positive vote-count. This bill improves the financial operations at 42 local PSAPs and 9-1-1 call centers across Oregon. HB 2449 already passed the House with a 48-10-2 vote.
- Added revenue offers additional funding stability – for emergency communication operations in communities across Oregon. Funding stability is critical for the daily operational needs of many 9-1-1 facilities and the critical technology upgrades.
- 9-1-1 fees have not been increased since 1995 – yet costs related to implementing a state-wide digital network, text-to-911 service, hardware upgrades, software needs, increased staffing to handle call volume, and virtually every other cost associated with running a 9-1-1 facility have increased.
- As a local official, I will support your vote – making sure the community understands that this tax increase goes directly into improving emergency service communications, something that is critical for communities across Oregon.
HB 2173 – HB 2184 (Broadband) – the LOC is focused on the Republican Caucus in the House and Senate.
- Tax Equity – HB 2184 brings the wireless industry into Oregon’s Universal Service Fund (OUSF). It’s time for wireless to contribute to infrastructure investments they benefit from.
- Rate Reduction – the current fee of 8.5% is reduced to 6%, because everyone would contribute to the fund.
- Broadband Deployment – the annual collecting of revenue creates a pool of investment funds focused on 52 libraries and 25 school districts and the 400,000 citizens estimated without high-speed internet in Oregon.
- New state revenue – will leverage federal funding for deployment at a rate of nearly 10:1.
Contact: Jim McCauley, Legislative Director – jmccauley@orcities.org
Last Updated 6-21-19