Governor Lamont says “NO!” to HB5446, Leaving CT the Cash Cow of the Cable Industry

The 2024 Legislative Session ended with a big fat “NO!” from Governor Lamont. “NO!” support for CT residents leaving CT the Cash Cow of the Cable Industry.

• No, to ending a very old tax exemption given to these companies and denying millions of dollars to our towns in tax revenue (CT is the only state that still allows this exemption).
• No, to holding the cable companies accountable for their obligation, under current law, to fund nonprofit public access stations.
• No, to requiring cable companies to pay their fair share of gross earnings tax to the state.

These companies grossed over ONE BILLION in CT cable revenue in 2023 and without being held accountable for their obligations under current law, they are running all over CT and it’s residents. They raised all CT customer bills statewide by a minimum of 22% in January, 2024 and in some larger CT cities up to 32.5% PER MONTH!

We don’t know what the future holds for CT nonprofit public access stations, as some will start to close their doors and it’s unlawful and just plain wrong. The Governor would not green light HB 5446 or any of its amendments; it was never called to the Floor for a vote!

In just over a 4 week period of time, over 1,100 of you raised your voices and said enough is enough!  ALL of your comments were individually printed and personally hand delivered to the Governor but, it did not matter.

It’s a sad day for the people of CT and a big win for corporate giants.

Thank you all for your support, donations, encouragement, and stories of the importance of Local Public Television.  Keep the conversation going when talking to your elected officials and push for a change, so that everyone pays their fair share!!