The '96 law also requires local phone companies to comply with a variety of technological mandates in coming years. And because the law says phone companies can pay for the improvements out of the KUSF, the surcharge imposed on consumers could increase dramatically. Brownlee's bill would repeal the mandates. Powerful forces are aligned against Brownlee's proposal. Big telecommunications companies, such as Bell and Sprint, are opposed to it.
Time is also a problem.
With tax cuts and budget bills left to be finished before the Legislature completes its regular session on April 10, Brownlee is likely to have a difficult time getting her colleagues to focus on the complex telecommunications issue. She has a powerful potential ally in Rep. Don Myers, R-Derby, chairman of the House Utilities Committee. Myers said the panel will tackle the issue next week. Us Copyright 1998 Topeka Capital-Journal. All rights reserved .