Sen. David Hoyle (D-Gaston)
Senator David Hoyle (D-Gaston) managed to get S.1209, his anti-competition broadband bill, scheduled for a Senate floor vote today after ramming it through the Senate Finance Committee yesterday. Though committee senators Joe Sam Queen,, William Purcell,, and Floyd McKissick were questioning the wisdom of the bill, Daniel Clodfelter called opposition to it “noise” and Hoyle openly rolled his eyes as Purcell explained that this bill will leave rural communities broadband wastelands. Presiding senator Clark Jenkins then cut off debate and quickly called for a vote, declaring it passed before anyone could object. Just when I thought I’ve seen stunning behavior in the North Carolina General Assembly something comes along that stuns me even more. There wasn’t one vote against this bill and plenty of lies told by Hoyle in support of it.
Hoyle also managed to put in an exemption for Google Fiber, though he clearly couldn’t explain what it was. This is the problem with me: when lawmakers regulate things they clearly don’t understand the result is bad law. The only experts Hoyle apparently consulted were the ones with checkbooks in their hands.
People tell me the days of back-room politics will soon be over but they’re apparently still alive and well. Hoyle can’t leave office fast enough for me. His idea of this being a “business-friendly” state means big business wins and citizens lose.
You can hear audio of yesterday’s meeting here.
No one voted against it?!? So, McKissick voted for it? I may have to call my senator back up and tell him I’m very disappointed in him.