Seniors Endorse Georgia's Cable Competition Bill

Seniors Endorse Georgia's Cable Competition Bill

Bill Gives Consumers Lower Prices and More Choices

WASHINGTON, Feb. 14 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The 60 Plus Association, a senior citizen's advocacy organization, strongly endorses the Consumer Choice for Television Act, a bill that if passed will finally bring the benefits of true competition to Georgia cable customers in the form of lower prices and expanded technology options for all citizens.

According to Jim Martin, president of 60 Plus Association, "this bill will greatly benefit Georgia's consumers, particularly seniors. Those who stand to gain the most are seniors on fixed incomes who will be offered competition, more choices and lower monthly cable bills if this legislation is passed. I urge the Georgia General Assembly to swiftly consider and pass this bill."

The bill (HB 227) was introduced by State Representative Jeff Lewis and four co-sponsors. It would make it much easier for new competitors to enter the cable-TV market in Georgia by eliminating the need for competitors to negotiate separate local franchise agreements and replace them with one statewide franchise agreement.

Similar bills have been passed in 11 states, including Texas, Virginia, New Jersey and California. A recent FCC Report on Cable Industry Prices found that cable rates decreased by an average of 17 percent in areas of the country with direct competition between land-based cable providers (http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-06-179A1.pdfhttp:// hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-06-179A1.pdfhttp://hraunfoss. fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-269116A1.pdf).

The 60 Plus Association is a 15-year-old nonpartisan organization taking on important issues such as death tax repeal, saving Social Security, working to lower energy costs, affordable prescription drugs and other senior-friendly issues featuring a less government, less taxes approach. 60 Plus calls on support from nearly 4.5 million citizen lobbyists. 60 Plus publishes a quarterly magazine, SENIOR VOICE, and a Scorecard, bestowing a Guardian of Seniors' Rights award on lawmakers of both parties who vote "pro-senior." 60 Plus has been called "an increasingly influential senior citizen's group" and "the conservative alternative to the AARP." 60 Plus has established a membership benefit program. To join 60 Plus or for further information, please go to our website at http://www.60plus.org/ or call 877-560-PLUS (7587).

Source: 60 Plus Association

CONTACT: Ed Fulginiti of the 60 Plus Association, +1-703-807-2070

Web site: http://www.60plus.org/

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