As members of the netroots community, many of you may have been following the recent news of the new Bill introduced by my office, designed to protect the fair pricing of internet access. I am proud to say that this Bill came as a result of the loud and collective cry of netroots supporters, demanding action on the unfair billing scheme proposed by a local monopolistic internet access provider.
This scheme of theirs, if enacted, would have tripled internet bills for local individuals, small businesses, and educational institutions. This was a guaranteed way to kill small business, kill job creation, prevent the free flow of online information, and put democratic goals and ideals of online activists a little further out of reach. Knowing this, my office acted quickly to craft legislation that would prevent this billing increase and promote increased competition for internet access providers. I believe our solution will protect local internet consumers and serve as a model for how Government should act to protect individuals from abuses at the hands of corporate monopolies. I would encourage you to go to this website set up by a local leader, Phillip Dampier, to follow the story as it unfolds (click).
I have also put together a short YouTube video explaining the situation and our new Bill.
When people complain that Government doesn’t stand up for them, my reply is that it just did. This bill is an example of Congress listening to constituents, and crafting good legislation in response to their needs. I am proud to represent people like yourselves, and as long as I am in office, I will continue to listen to you and fight for you.
Now here is the catch, I have to ask you for your help. The worst part of politics is the never-ending quest for campaign contributions. Honestly, it is this type of constant fundraising pressure that, in my opinion, keeps legislators from really looking out for the little guys. When we have to raise thousands of dollars a week, it is easier to collect big campaign contribution checks from corporate PACs, than it is to depend on the generosity of tens of thousands of small dollar contributors. That is probably why your Representatives so often fail to take on the big corporations- because they know where their bread is buttered. If you want elected officials to stand up for you, as we did with this Bill, then you need to help us stay in office. When you see a Bill that looks out for you, or a Legislator that puts you first, then take a second and consider a small donation to their campaign. A $100, $50, or even $25 contribution goes a long way in keeping a campaign strong and ready to win. If I can write a good Bill that protects you, and still raise enough money to get re-elected, then maybe we can show all of my colleagues in the House that this model can work, that people-powered politics isn't some pipe dream. If you have the means, please click here to donate securely online. I thank you for your support, and please know that your help today is deeply appreciated.
Warmest Regards,
Eric