Ohio Senate passes measure to let cable providers bargain with state; Bill's supporters say it will create competition in cable TV industry, but Dayto

BYLINE: By William Hershey Staff Writer

COLUMBUS - Despite criticism from city leaders, including Dayton Mayor Rhine McLin, the Ohio Senate on Wednesday overwhelmingly approved legislation aimed at bringing more competition to the state's cable television industry.

The vote was 29-4. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Jeff Jacobson, R-Butler Twp., now goes to the House where committee hearings are expected to begin next week.

Gov. Ted Strickland wants to make sure consumers are protected and that concerns about home rule are satisfied before taking a position, said Keith Dailey, Strickland's spokesman.

Senate bill 117 would permit companies that want to enter the cable market to negotiate a single contract with the state instead of separate agreements with thousands of local governments, as they now are required to do.

"This bill will promote economic development and create jobs," Jacobson said. He said it would "promote real consumer choice."

Jacobson made changes in the bill to satisfy concerns raised by cities, but there still are problems , said John Mahoney, deputy director of the Ohio Municipal League.

In a letter to the editor in the Dayton Daily News this week, McLin said the bill would reduce local control and benefits cities receive from cable agreements.

AT&T and other telecommunications companies have pushed for the bill, saying it would create a positive atmosphere for investment.

Contact this reporter at (614) 224-1608 or whershey@DaytonDailyNews.com.