Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Broadband topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Maine House advances bill to end Connect Maine fee, prompting dispute over rural broadband funding
Summary
Lawmakers debated a bipartisan measure to repeal the Connect Maine fee and transition responsibilities to the Maine Connectivity Authority; sponsors said the fee is no longer needed, while supporters warned federal matching rules and program continuity require a cautious transition. The House adopted committee amendment A and advanced the bill to be engrossed and sent to the Senate.
The Maine House on Feb. 24 debated a bipartisan bill (referred to on the floor as LD 1975) that would repeal the Connect Maine fee imposed on phone lines and transition remaining obligations to the Maine Connectivity Authority (MCA).
The sponsor, the representative from Madison, urged repeal of the 10¢ per line fee, arguing the original Connect Maine goals were achieved and that Mainers need relief to improve affordability. "If we want to talk about affordability, we have to walk the walk," the sponsor said, urging passage of the minority committee report amendment B that would phase out the fee.
Supporters of the majority report, including Representative Sacks and others, warned that federal grants and matching obligations mean an abrupt repeal could jeopardize continued broadband investments in rural areas. "The federal funds that are currently coming to Maine cannot be used as match," Representative Sacks said, arguing continued oversight and a planned transition are necessary.
The chamber voted on committee amendment A and related motions; the House adopted amendment A and ordered the bill to be engrossed and sent for concurrence with the Senate. Proponents said the motion requires reporting by the Maine Connectivity Authority to the Legislature so statutory changes can be considered transparently.
Floor speeches highlighted competing priorities: immediate rate relief for consumers versus protecting the state's ability to leverage federal dollars and maintain rural broadband builds. The bill will proceed to the Senate for further consideration.
