Jim Baller Quoted in Article on Opposition to Amendment Aimed at Stopping Ohio Internet Choice

Keller and Heckman Partner Jim Baller was quoted in the Coalition for Local Internet Choice (CLIC) blog article, “CLIC & 19 Private-Sector Companies & Associations Oppose Ohio Senate Budget Amendments Aimed at Stopping Local Internet Choice.” The article notes how, on June 15, 2021, the Coalition for Local Internet Choice (CLIC) and 19 private-sector companies and associations submitted a strongly worded letter to the members of the House, Senate, and Governor of Ohio, vigorously opposing a Senate amendment to House Budget Bill 110 that would effectively kill community-led local internet choice. 

The amendment, dropped into a House Omnibus budget bill without public notice or discussion, would also prevent local Ohio governments from taking advantage of historical federal funding for broadband infrastructure and access improvements. CLIC’s joint letter emphasized how the amendment language would not only be bad for the local communities affected, but also for the private sector and America’s global competitiveness.

“The proposed new restrictions in Ohio stand in sharp contrast to a new law in Arkansas that broadly expands local broadband internet options,’’ said Jim, who is also CLIC’s President. “Both houses of the conservative Arkansas legislature voted unanimously in favor of that law. Arkansas got it right,” he concluded. 

To read the full article, please click here.