We've all received those unwelcome calls from telemarketers that interrupt our evenings. In response, the state set up a "do-not-call-list" designed to protect residents' lines from these unwanted calls. Until now, the list was limited to traditional land lines only.
With the increased popularity of cell phones, it is only logical to extend the list to mobile phone owners. Since June 5, all cell phone users have been able to add their numbers to the state's do-not-call-list. The expansion of the do-not-call-list, originally a bill authored by Sen. Jon Erpenbach, D-Waunakee, was included in the bipartisan budget repair bill that was passed last month.
Wisconsin residents have until the end of August to get on the next list, which will be effective for two years beginning in October. To sign up, consumers can call (866) 9NO-CALL (1-866-966-2255) toll-free in Wisconsin, or visit the Web site at https://nocall.wisconsin.gov/web/home.asp.
In addition to the expansion of the do-not-call-list, we've passed multiple pieces of legislation in the state Assembly this past session aimed to protect consumers. In an effort to foster competition in the cable TV industry, the "cable choice" bill was approved. After many months of debate, a compromise version was signed into law by Governor Doyle. Other states have reported lower rates and better customer service in response to the increased competition between cable providers.
As vice-chair of the Committee on Consumer Protection and Personal Privacy, I worked with my colleagues to pass Assembly Bill (AB) 771. This bill would prohibit state or local governments from using Social Security numbers as identifiers in their databases. Earlier foul-ups by state agencies that resulted in the compromise of personal information were inexcusable, and AB 771 was designed to prevent these errors in the future. Unfortunately, the legislative session ended without it being approved by the state Senate, so the legislation will need to be reintroduced next session.
Next, the Office of Privacy Protection (OPP) was fully funded in the bipartisan budget compromise. Created in 2006, the OPP was designed to specifically handle the nation's fastest growing crime, identity theft, among other privacy protection issues. Visit http://privacy.wi.gov/ for more information on how you can help protect your vital information.
Finally, the state Assembly passed a bill that would have stopped a tax on cell phones. Specifically, the legislation, AB 722, prohibited the Universal Service Fund (USF) surcharge to be added to cell phone bills. The USF surcharge generally funds programs that benefit landline telephones, not wireless phones. With cost of everything going up, including cell phone plans, the state should not extend this tax.
- Wisconsin State Rep. Brett Davis, R-Oregon, serves the 80th Assembly District, which includes all of Green County and portions of Rock, Dane and Lafayette
counties.
With the increased popularity of cell phones, it is only logical to extend the list to mobile phone owners. Since June 5, all cell phone users have been able to add their numbers to the state's do-not-call-list. The expansion of the do-not-call-list, originally a bill authored by Sen. Jon Erpenbach, D-Waunakee, was included in the bipartisan budget repair bill that was passed last month.
Wisconsin residents have until the end of August to get on the next list, which will be effective for two years beginning in October. To sign up, consumers can call (866) 9NO-CALL (1-866-966-2255) toll-free in Wisconsin, or visit the Web site at https://nocall.wisconsin.gov/web/home.asp.
In addition to the expansion of the do-not-call-list, we've passed multiple pieces of legislation in the state Assembly this past session aimed to protect consumers. In an effort to foster competition in the cable TV industry, the "cable choice" bill was approved. After many months of debate, a compromise version was signed into law by Governor Doyle. Other states have reported lower rates and better customer service in response to the increased competition between cable providers.
As vice-chair of the Committee on Consumer Protection and Personal Privacy, I worked with my colleagues to pass Assembly Bill (AB) 771. This bill would prohibit state or local governments from using Social Security numbers as identifiers in their databases. Earlier foul-ups by state agencies that resulted in the compromise of personal information were inexcusable, and AB 771 was designed to prevent these errors in the future. Unfortunately, the legislative session ended without it being approved by the state Senate, so the legislation will need to be reintroduced next session.
Next, the Office of Privacy Protection (OPP) was fully funded in the bipartisan budget compromise. Created in 2006, the OPP was designed to specifically handle the nation's fastest growing crime, identity theft, among other privacy protection issues. Visit http://privacy.wi.gov/ for more information on how you can help protect your vital information.
Finally, the state Assembly passed a bill that would have stopped a tax on cell phones. Specifically, the legislation, AB 722, prohibited the Universal Service Fund (USF) surcharge to be added to cell phone bills. The USF surcharge generally funds programs that benefit landline telephones, not wireless phones. With cost of everything going up, including cell phone plans, the state should not extend this tax.
- Wisconsin State Rep. Brett Davis, R-Oregon, serves the 80th Assembly District, which includes all of Green County and portions of Rock, Dane and Lafayette
counties.
