Because states can be a faster catalyst for legislative change and ideas can move from state legislative bodies to the Federal level, "It's absolutely crucial the this work begins at the state level." This is an interesting point: states can protect consumers at a level that the federal never can, because state governments are accessible and more connected to people's lives on the ground.
I hope someone talks about influencing organizations like the US Conference of Mayors and National Conference of State Legislatures. If not, I'll ask about it.
Cool - WA State Senator Kohl-Welles is up. On the plane, her neighbor asked "aren't there more important things to spend money on" than broadband deployment; when she said she was concerned about connectivity in rural places, he replied "well, can't those people just move somewhere else?"
The Senator mentions a Cascade Curtain, referring to the break between Western and Eastern Washington. I'd never heard that phrase; of course I'm usually just griping about the east side of the state.
She talks Connect Kentucky in a positive light. I hear bad things about that program but haven't been able to look into yet. Finally she talks about a community technology opportunity program.
Ah, our facilitator is walking us through the problems with Connect Kentucky. Here's one - confidentiality provisions block the publis from verifying the state's study of connectivity.
Next up is Catherine Settanni, The Community Technology Empowerment Project. She works locally and launched Minneapolis' free wi-fi network, which includes a community portal. She has a great idea about pressuring the states to ensure that any time taxpayers' money is spent to move something online, it has to include a set aside for digital inclusion efforts.
Susan Satter, senior assistant attorney general in Illinois, is the final presenter. Got distracted for a minute, but tuned in again to hear that Susan thinks that state utility commissions are highly vulnerable to capture, due to being appointed positions, and a point about attorneys general being resources advocates can use, especially in their role as consumer complaint arbitrators.
Senator Kohl-Welles and Julie answered my question:
- The senator is an executive of the NCSL, and says that our agenda is starting to come through. She also mentioned that Ron Simms, King County Executive, published an op-ed calling for a national digital inclusion strategy to be developed at NCSL
- Julie reminds us that state legislators very often are motivated by a spirit of public service, but they are often pressed and some times working other jobs, even, and if we want to influence them, we have to provide the model legislation, the messaging, and an opportunity to be a hero on our issues.
