When there is a power outage, the telephone service providers have backup generators or batteries to make sure our incredibly important 911 services continue in operation. However, when a company neglects to properly maintain or invest in this infrastructure, many of our rural constituents without cell coverage are left with no access to 911 services. During these landline outages, our incredible volunteer fire companies are required to have someone physically present at the fire station for members of the community to drive to for emergency services. This puts extra stress on our volunteers who give so selflessly because of what we would call a selfish lack of investment from our telecommunication services in rural areas.

Soon I will be introducing legislation to hold telecommunication companies financially accountable when they fail to uphold their duty to assist our emergency management system and first responders with our 911 system.

My bill will require these telecommunications companies to compensate the volunteer fire departments at a rate of $1,000 per hour during an outage of the 911 system when it requires them to man the fire station.  The status quo is entirely intolerable, and we hope you will work with us to change it.

Please join me in holding our telecommunications companies accountable for their inaction, ensuring public safety, and supporting our volunteer firefighters so they can get back to their families as soon as possible.