>NJ Telecom bills compete
State Democratic lawmakers remain split over how far deregulation should extend for telecommunications and cable TV.
The AARP and consumer groups say loosening the rules could leave residents with little recourse if faced with higher bills and reduced services.
But with Democrats offering competing bills, it appears neither side will be a winner in obtaining full approvals before this legislative session ends next month.
Senators Ray Lesniak of Union County and Bob Smith of Middlesex County, prime drivers of the two vastly different pieces of deregulation, said there’s little chance the proposals will move forward in the final weeks of the upper house‘s lame duck session.
Lesniak’s offering boasts Republican support. It has already passed through the Assembly but has undergone heavy criticism from consumer groups, who claim it gives too much freedom to companies such as Verizon and Comcast. (Jordan, Gannett)