by Paul Hogarth, 2009-05-22
The California Public Utilities Commission was supposed to finally vote yesterday on a controversial plan to de-regulate Lifeline service – which low-income customers rely on for basic telephone access. But they once again put the proposal “on hold” – after seniors, disabled tenants and their allies from Senior Action Network, the California Nurses Association and others spoke out during public comment against it. SRO tenant Joseph Jackson recounted how a land-line phone at his hotel helped save his life with the ability to call 911. It was clear the Commissioners – all of whom are appointed by the Governor – were uncomfortable approving a proposal that could have such an effect on the most vulnerable residents. Although the CPUC meets just across the street from City Hall in San Francisco, they are not used to getting the kind of public testimony members of the Board of Supervisors expect on a regular basis. Advocates will have to return to beat back this plan, but yesterday’s powerful testimony allowed them to fight another day.