Actions & Updates
As you know, we here at TOT have been closely following the progress of the Ohio Telecom Modernization Act of 2009, a bill that will streamline rules regarding Ohio’s telecommunications regulatory structure and remove outdated language. We are pleased to report that the Ohio Senate passed the Senate version of this important piece of legislation, Senate Bill 162, on December 15th by a vote of 29 to 3.
As TOT Executive Director, Scott Schweitzer, noted in a press
release applauding the Senate’s actions:
“This bill recognizes that the competitive marketplace has changed
in Ohio and in the nation. Consumers now have lots of telecom providers
to choose from, whether they be wireless phones, cable phones or
internet phones. This bill recognizes that new reality.”
TOT believes this bill will benefit Ohioans because of the jobs and infrastructure investment it can bring. Senate passage is a good first step towards bringing more competition and investment to the Ohio telecommunications and technologies markets.
Now the legislation moves onto the House. The companion bill, House Bill 276, has already had seven hearings before the House Public Utilities Committee. We look forward to the House quickly taking action on this important legislation.
Contact your State Representative today to let them know that you support telecom reform!
Ohio House should follow Senate's lead
in updating telecommunications laws
Cleveland Plain Dealer, December 31, 2009
News from the Capitol
Former Cincinnati Vice Mayor Alicia Reece was sworn in Wednesday as Ohio’s newest state legislator. Reece will represent the 33rd House District, which includes parts of Cincinnati’s East Side and inner suburbs. Reece was unanimously chosen by Ohio House Democrats to replace former state Rep. Tyrone Yates, who was appointed to a county municipal court judgeship by Gov. Ted Strickland.
Reece must run for reelection Nov. 2. Also running is Republican Jim Stith, who is Norwood city auditor and Libertarian Jillian Mack. Cincinnati Councilwoman Laketa Cole had also applied for the appointment, but is being considered for a state job with the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio. Cole filed to run for the 33rd District seat in the fall, but her status now is unclear.
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Ohio Tech Bits Blog
UPDATE: Telecom reform passes full House – March 16, 2010, 3:25PM
Telecom reform passes committee, moves to full House for vote today – March 16, 2010, 10:18AM
News 
Bill to ban texting while driving sent for changes
Toledo Blade, October 6, 2009
Big Tech Ten Survey
Technology for Ohio's Tomorrow needs your help! We are launching a new initiative: The Big Tech Ten. Our goal? Identifying ten new, bold technology ideas and innovations for Ohio's future.
Through this initiative, we hope to foster a conversation with you and other Ohioans about where technology policy stands in Ohio and where it can go.