(Washington, DC) - Congressman Baron Hill has urged the leaders of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce to consider ways of further aiding Hoosier families during the Digital Television (DTV) Transition.  In response to concerns of his constituents, Hill has asked the appropriate chairmen and ranking members of the Energy and Commerce Committee to provide additional funding for the already depleted DTV converter box coupon program and allow for recourse to those who have received expired coupons in the mail.

“I cannot express the urgency in ensuring all Americans have access to converter boxes come February 17, 2009,” Hill wrote to full Committee Chairman Henry Waxman, full Committee Ranking Member Joe Barton, Subcommittee on Communications, Technology and the Internet Chairman Rick Boucher, and Subcommittee Ranking Member Cliff Stearns.  “Many rural households and those headed by seniors are underprepared for the transition, and the funding shortfall will make it even more difficult for these households to make the transition.”

On January 4, 2009, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced that those requesting DTV converter box coupons will be placed on a waiting list, and coupons will only be distributed when and if more funding becomes available.  In addition, Hill has heard from several constituents who have requested coupons months back and are just now receiving already expired coupons in the mail.  Currently, the NTIA offers no recourse for those who get expired coupons.

“Several constituents have contacted me explaining that they had requested coupons one year ago with the NTIA, and have just received their coupons in the mail with a June 2008 expiration date,” adds Hill in his letter.  “This is unacceptable, and unfortunately, the NTIA cannot reissue those coupons.  I would like this situation to be remedied, as those consumers who proactively requested coupons may be forced to buy converter boxes at full price.  In this economic climate, we cannot ask American families to stretch their budgets even further.”

Hill’s letter was sent late last week.  No response has been received as of today.  Ninth District residents encountering such problems are urged to call Hill’s Bloomington office for assistance, 812-336-3000.