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Rep. Ashford Decries Bill to Raise Telephone Rates
Special to The Truth
State Rep. Michael Ashford (D-Toledo) last week criticized
the June passage of House Bill (HB) 402, legislation that
raises telephone rates and pulls service from certain
markets.
“I voted against this bill because I believe it will place
heavy financial burden on aging citizens, low-income
individuals and those that live in rural areas,” said
Ashford. “Ohio consumers could pay an additional $100 over
the next four years and, after the fourth year, phone
companies can raise unlimited rates without an approval from
the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO). I believe
Sub. HB 402 eliminates consumer protection laws that have
been in place for over a century. Unfortunately, a rollback
on consumer protections is a perfect example of how Ohio
Republicans have lined up with President Trump’s policies. I
believe the rich just get richer.”
The bill changes current state law, which ensures the
availability of adequate basic local service throughout the
state to a policy that allows telecommunications companies
to provide service where available. The change in law means
telephone companies will not expand service to rural, urban
or poor areas of the state. The legislation also gives the
companies the ability to raise rates by two dollars each
year and provides them with full pricing flexibility or
unlimited rate increases with little to no consumer
protections from PUCO.
The bill now heads to the Senate for further consideration.
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