BILL NUMBER:  AB 1409
  VETOED	DATE: 10/10/2013




To the Members of the California State Assembly:

I am returning Assembly Bill 1409 without my signature.

Currently, the Public Utilities Commission has an open proceeding to
revise the California Lifeline Program to authorize non-traditional
carriers to participate in the program and receive reimbursement for
services provided to customers from the lifeline fund.

The last minute amendments included in this bill would legislatively
preempt the outcome of this proceeding that has taken public comment
from hundreds of California citizens.  While I am sensitive to the
concerns of some in the cable industry about the length of time this
process has taken, I prefer to give that public process a chance to
be completed before I decide whether legislation of this type is
needed.

One final note; I urge the Public Utilities Commission to meet with
the cable industry to explore ways it can participation in the
Lifeline Program with some reasonable level of oversight.

Sincerely,



Edmund G. Brown