February 27, 2002 -- Five organizations representing state and local officials have sent Congress a letter asserting that, "This legislation [Tauzin-Dingell] contains provisions that will interfere with and preempt the traditional and legal rights of state and local governments."

The five organizations (National Governors Association, National League of Cities, National Association of Counties, International City/County Management Association, and the Council of State Governments) also noted that Tauzin- Dingell "would significantly (preempt) state authority over the telephone network to the detriment of successful state and local economic development efforts. (This) may have the effect of limiting consumer remedies over complaints ... especially ... where consumers are unable to be provided relief for poor service or high rates."

In response, Voices for Choices coalition co-chairman Charlie Black issued the following statement:

"This letter demonstrates unequivocally the deep concern that state and local officials have about the unprecedented federal power grab that is at the heart of Tauzin-Dingell.

"It's bad enough that this bill takes legitimate oversight of the phone monopolies away from federal officials. But it is unconscionable that Congress would also remove this right from state and local officials thousands of miles from Washington.

"When it comes to deregulating telecommunications, Congress has long recognized that states and localities are frequently able to resolve problems better than somebody in Washington. This letter is a much-needed wake-up call to every Member of Congress - especially those traditionally concerned about preserving state prerogatives against federal encroachment."

Voices for Choices is a coalition of associations and companies that support fair competition in local telephone service and high-speed Internet access. Members include: The Association for Local Telecommunication Services (ALTS), The Competitive Telecommunications Association (CompTel), Citizens Against Government Waste, Small Business Survival Committee, Liberty Mutual, WorldCom, Sprint and AT&T.

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