1983-07-20 Public Hearings and Regular Meeting

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• • 0 0 TMLTEXAS MUNICIPAL LEAGUE 1020 Southwest Tower Austin, Texas 78701 (512) 478-6601 June 29, 1983 MAN", FIM TO: TML Member Cities FROM: TML Staff SUBJECT: Cable Legislation Pending in Congress A highly detrimental cable television bill--S. 66--now pending in Congress, if passed, would strip your city of virtually all of its powers to regulate CATV rates and services at the local level. Meeting on June 27, the Board of Directors of the Texas Municipal League voted unanimously to oppose S. 66 and take all actions necessary to defeat it. The Board also voted to ask TML member cities to make a nominal, voluntary contri- bution to offset the cost of outside legal counsel that would be hired to lobby in Washington against S. 66. A summary of the provisions of S. 66 is attached. As you will readily see, passage of this legislation would effectively eliminate all meaningful munici- pal CATV rate -regulatory powers, and leave your city and its residents at the mercy of the cable industry. At your early convenience, contact your congressman and advise him of your city's opposition to S. 66. The bill, which has already passed the U.S. Senate, could move in the House in the near future; therefore, timely action on the cities' part is imperative. Additionally, please use the attached form to let the TML office know whether your city will contribute funds to support efforts in Washington to defeat S. 66. Each city is requested to contribute 1¢ per -capita (based on its 1980 Census population), payable to the "TML Cable TV Defense Fund." A committee of city officials will be appointed to supervise the Fund, and a complete accounting will be furnished to all participants. For further information concerning S. 66, please contact Dick Brown at the TML office. Your assistance is greatly appreciated.