May 12, 2008

 

Erpenbach Pleased That Cell Phone
“Do Not Call” in Budget Repair

Madison – The budget repair agreement announced today by Leadership from both houses included adding cell phones to Wisconsin’s “Do Not Call” law. Senator Erpenbach was pleased Leadership decided to add the measure as a part of the compromise announced today. Senator Erpenbach had been disappointed that the measure failed to pass before the end of last session despite a unanimous vote out of the Joint Committee on Finance and the Senate.

“People want to be able to stop unwanted telemarketing calls. By adding cell phones to the ‘Do Not Call’ law, we give people what they expect and want from Wisconsin’s telemarketing laws. More and more people have only one phone in their life, and that cell phone should be able to block telemarketers as well. This has always been about updating the law to modern technology and giving consumers what they want,” said Erpenbach.

Conference substitute amendment one includes adding cell phones to Wisconsin’s “Do Not Call” law but does not increase the fines for telemarketer in violation, like the Finance substitute amendment to 2007 Senate Bill 99 did. Senate Bill 99 was recommended as amended out of the Joint Committee on Finance on January 31st, 2008, and passed the Senate 33-0 on February 19.

“Wisconsin’s ‘Do Not Call’ law is an extremely popular government program and has proven effective at stopping unwanted calls. This change will deliver to consumers what they want and make sure our law reflects changing telecommunications technology. I am extremely happy it will be done in this budget repair and people will be able to sign up their cell phones soon,” said Erpenbach.