Will Tennessee's Legislators Seize Opportunities in 2016 – or Obstruct Them Once Again?

It's rare when legislators have the opportunity to pass historic legislation, the kind that has generations-long positive impact on their state's fortunes.

It is rare when legislators can open the state to new business ventures, to the expansion of existing businesses and to welcoming young entrepreneurs eager to create the industries of the future.

It is rare when legislators can enhance the state's education system for all its students – young and old, from urban to rural, k-12 through PhD.

It is rare when legislators can improve delivery of healthcare throughout the state and slash healthcare costs at the same time.

Yet, here is the chance to do all this – at no cost to the state. Legislators can do all this – but will they?

These are not pie-in-the-sky imaginings. Proof is everywhere that all this is happening – right now, right here in select areas of Tennessee, from Bristol in the east to Pulaski in the west.

In every city where a municipal electric utility has installed fiber optic broadband and high speed internet, an explosion of prosperity has occurred, resulting in thousands of new jobs, attracting young enterpreneurs, improvements in education and marked improvements in healthcare delivery.

In communities throughout Tennessee where broadband expansion is prevented by Tennessee's archaic law, such opportunities are non existent. Odds are that you're one of those communities.  

So, will legislators change the law, or elect to hold its people and the state back?

Voters like you can answer that question. You can call, write, email your legislators to demand what is possible. You can pass resolutions, march in the streets, sign petitions – and you can vote! If, this April, you realize you're set back once again, remember who made it so.

Tell your lawmakers to pass HB1303 and SB1134 to permit municpal electric utilities to expand broadband to all of Tennessee's counties. Do it now.