[Missouri-l] SB 1000

[Chip Hailey]

I just wanted to update you on SB 1000.
This bill would sweep monies from several dedicated funds, including up to $2 million
from the Deaf Relay and Equipment Distribution Fund
 into the General Revenue fund.
The equipment portion is the part that funds the Telecommunications Access Program
(TAP for Telephone and TAP for Internet).
While the current fund balance (about $4 million) is enough that TAP would not likely
be impacted over the next year, my concern is over the precedent that would be set
by taking monies out of this dedicated fund.
If it happens one year, there is no assurance that it wouldn't happen again in future
years.
SB 1000 has had a hearing already in the Senate Appropriations Committee, but the
Committee has not yet voted on the bill.
  Some key points are:
The program provides adaptive equipment to individuals with all types of disabilities
who are not able to use the internet or a telephone because of their disability.
The program is funded through the dedicated surcharge on monthly telephone bills
to provide the Missouri Relay service and on the equipment side, to provide TAP.
The fund is dedicated for this purpose and removing funds would set a worrisome precedent
for future years.
The Public Service Commission is already expecting that the fund balance will begin
to go down next year, as revenues into the fund go down.
If anyone would like to share their thoughts with committee members, I am listing
names and contact information of some of the key members below.
Rob Mayer, Chair  573-751-3859
Kurt Schaefer, Vice-Chair 573-751-3931
Tom Dempsey 573-751-1141
Jim Lembke 573-751-2315
David Pearce 573-751-2272
Frank Barnitz 573-751-2108
Thank you,
Chip Hailey
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