I’m driving back to the station from doing my live shot about some TennCare changes, but I popped into the House session to listen to the debate on the cable legislation. (I use the term “debate” loosely.)
You’ve probably heard at least something about the cable bill or seen the nonstop commercials on TV. This basically allows any company (AT&T for now) who wants to enter the cable game in the state to bypass local franchising and get their permit from the state. Lawmakers tout the increase in choices this legislation will bring the cable consumer. Realistically, they say, don’t expect to see a huge drop in cable prices.
Anyway, the “debate” on the House floor today consisted of several of the main sponsors thanking 10 to 12 people each who made this bill happened. Then it was a quick vote of 92-2 (with 2 not voting) and then a huge round of applause.
To give you an idea of how intense the lobbying has been on this whole issue, here’s a quip from one lawmaker after it passed: “Well, now all of the lobbyists can officially go on vacation.” No word on whether or not those commercials will ever stop airing, though.
