Dear WISPIRG member,

The so-called cable competition bill before the state Legislature has revealed the ugliest side of our democratic process, and one that we must stand up to.

Special interests, in this case AT&T, have made a mockery of our democracy: crafting legislation that benefits them behind closed doors, making campaign contributions intended to bribe legislators, submitting phony grassroots support attacking legislators that voted against the bill, hiring a cabal of lobbyists working to twist arms in the Capitol, and paying for a blizzard of misleading advertisements on television and radio, all intended to push a bill that is bad for Wisconsinites, but good for AT&T.

This isn’t how the process is supposed to work. Nor is this a bill that benefits the people of Wisconsin. And that’s why we’ve stood up for consumers and for the public.

We could and should pass legislation that brings Wisconsin into the 21st century, increasing competition and enhancing access to technology in our state, while ensuring strong consumer protections. AT&T’s bill does not do it. WISPIRG will continue to fight for legislation that does.

Thank you for your support. With it, WISPIRG will continue to stand up to the powerful interests that wish to serve their own interests rather than the interests of Wisconsin.

Sincerely,

Bruce Speight
Advocate