Missouri Franchise Bill | Michigan Cable Tax

MISSOURI GOV EXPECTED TO SIGN FRANCHISE BILL
[SOURCE: Multichannel News, AUTHOR: Linda Haugsted]
Missouri Gov. Matt Blunt is expected to sign a bill that will assign video franchising authority to the state’s Public Service Commission. The language of the bill was negotiated between the state’s Municipal League, potential new provider AT&T and incumbent cable operators. However, three provisions that the incumbents sought to add to the bill were cut from the final version, which was overwhelmingly approved by the state Senate (32-2) and House (143-4). Cable companies argued that the new legislation should require state-based fees on direct-broadcast satellite service. That would equalize the tax burden to customers of cable, Internet-protocol television and DBS, the companies argued. Also, companies lobbied for non-severability language. If one part of the new regulation is struck down by the courts or through a ruling by the Federal Communications Commission, the whole bill should become void. But legislators did not agree and refused those amendments to the bill.
http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6426584.html?display=Breaking+News

CABLE PART OF PROPOSED MICHIGAN TAX
[SOURCE: Multichannel News, AUTHOR: Linda Haugsted]
Video providers in Michigan are waiting to see if legislators act on a budget proposal from Gov. Jennifer Granholm that would place a 2% tax on a range of services, from janitorial contracts to cable TV. The state is facing a $900 million deficit, with the prospect of a revenue shortfall next year when a business tax expires. The governor has stated that revenue measures need to be in place by June 1 to avoid cuts in state services. “We’re definitely opposed to a 2% tax,” said Chris Horak, government-affairs director for the Michigan Cable Telecommunications Association. Cable operators have been meeting individually with legislators to express their objections to a new tax.
http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6426477.html?display=Breaking+News