Reps. Angerer, Accavitti, Bieda, Brandenburg, Byrnes, Clack, Condino, Constan, Cushingberry, Dean, Gillard, Gonzales, Hammel, Johnson, Robert Jones, LaJoy, Kathleen Law, Mayes, McDowell, Polidori, Spade, Tobocman, Warren, Lemmons, Melton, Palmer, Proos, Sak and Shaffer offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 283.

A resolution declaring February 20, 2008, as Digital Transition Day in the state of Michigan.

            Whereas, The United States Congress has mandated that television broadcasters end the transmission of analog signals by February 17, 2009 and complete a nationwide transition to all digital broadcasting.  This is an unprecedented technological change which will affect all television viewers, especially those who rely exclusively on free, over-the-air television; and

            Whereas, Approximately 1.5 million Michigan citizens in 600,000 households across the state rely exclusively on over-the-air signals for their link to local television news, emergency information, and community service programming and are disproportionately poor, elderly, rural, or in need of assistance; and

            Whereas, Michigan’s broadcasters are engaged in a comprehensive public awareness campaign including technical assistance for those most at risk to ensure that all Michigan citizens who wish to continue to receive their television signal free over the air may do so; and

            Whereas, Michigan’s broadcasters have built a strong public-private partnership with other stakeholders who have agreed to actively support the digital enlightenment of Michigan Citizens, encouraging neighbor to help neighbor; and

            Whereas, The Michigan Legislature recognizes the need for such a public awareness campaign and supports the effort of the Michigan Association of Broadcasters, their members and stakeholder partners in this important campaign; and

            Whereas, The honorable members of the Michigan House of Representative are encouraged to join in the effort to inform their constituents in each district so that no citizen is left behind in the transition to digital television; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Represenatives, That the members of this legislative body  declare February 20, 2008, as Digital Transition Day in the state of Michigan.  We commend Michigan’s broadcasters and their partners for their service to the citizens of this state in preparing for the transition to all digital television and helping to insure that no Michigan citizen is left without a television signal after the transition.