Sounding the Alarm on E-911 Fund Raiding

Over the last few months, you've heard us sound the alarm on Governors who are raiding their state's E-911 funds to cover things other than their state's E-911 costs. If you haven't been following this issue, here's our policy position.

Here are a few recent postings as well:

• Policy point video explaining Enhanced 911 (aka next-gen 911 which would allow consumers to text for help, improve triangulation/location identification, etc.) 
• Enough is Enough and Stop Raiding E-911 Funds - Background blog posts explaining how some Governors are spending their state's E-911 funds (hint, it's for purposes other than upgrading the E-911 capabilities and technologies)

This past weekend, two state newspapers covered what's happening to their state's E-911 fund. On Sunday, the Press of Atlantic City in New Jersey wrote a "Watchdog Report" on how New Jersey has taken millions of dollars from the E911 fund for other purposes. According to the story, New Jersey is the worst offender by spending more than $100 million on services other than 911.

In today's Honolulu Star-Bulletin, the reporter's story shows that while Hawaii's E-911 fund did have enough money to upgrade their system, they no longer do since the state diverted "$16 million to balance the [state's] budget." Now, the Chairman of the Wireless E-911 Board said they have to ask their legislators for money to pay for this upgrade -- or risk the chance of being behind. 

You can see the FCC's report  to Congress and see if your state is on the list for using the E-911 funds for other purposes. If it is, contact your elected officials and let them know what you think!