TALLAHASSEE —
Offering Florida’s residents a break on phone service, the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) today kicked off its fifth National Lifeline Awareness Week at the Springfield Community Center in Tallahassee to help consumers benefit from the discounted telephone program. Those eligible can save at least $111 annually on their local phone bills through the Lifeline Assistance (Lifeline) program.
Highlighting the Lifeline program’s success and the PSC’s partnership with the Tallahassee Housing Authority, PSC Chairman Ronald A. Brisé was joined at the kickoff by Senator Bill Montford; Representative Alan Williams, Leon County Commission Chairman Nick Maddox; City of Tallahassee Mayor John Marks; J.R. Kelly, Public Counsel for the State of Florida; Charles Milsted, Associate State Director, AARP; and Brenda Williams, Executive Director, Tallahassee Housing Authority. “In challenging times, it’s vital that Florida residents be aware of the discounted phone service available to them, and this year’s National Lifeline Awareness Week highlights those agencies helping us spread the word,” Chairman Brisé said. “Through our continuing partnerships with many agencies, such as the Tallahassee Housing Authority, we ensure that residents have access to one of today’s basic necessities—phone service.” “Some of our most vulnerable residents depend on assistance at this time. For these residents, the telephone is a vital tool to help them find jobs or contact needed community services,” said Ms. Williams. “I appreciate the PSC, the Public Counsel, and the companies for raising awareness about Lifeline and making the program available to our residents.” Joining other states in celebrating National Lifeline Awareness Week, September 9-15, Florida’s kickoff begins a series of statewide events next week to help seniors and low-income Floridians learn about and apply for the program. The PSC will be at the following locations to help eligible participants apply for Lifeline: Tuesday, September 10, 2013 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. Renaissance at Washington Ridge 150 W. 14th Street Lakeland, Florida 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Mid County Senior Center 3680 Lake Worth Road Lake Worth, Florida 12 noon – 1 p.m. The Manor at West Bartow 850 North Gordon Avenue Bartow, Florida Wednesday, September 11, 2013 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. Villas of Lake Bonnet 303 North Brunnell Parkway Lakeland, Florida 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Colton Meadow 1919 West 10th Street Lakeland, Florida 11 a.m. – 12 noon North County Senior Center 5217 Northlake Boulevard Palm Beach Gardens, Florida Thursday, September 12, 2013 9 a.m. – 12 noon Sadkin Senior Center 1176 NW 42nd Way Lauderhill, Florida The federal Lifeline Assistance program offers customers who participate in certain public assistance programs–or who qualify based on income–a basic telephone service discount of at least $9.25 per month, or $111 per year. Both landline and wireless providers offer the program. To access Lifeline applications and for more information, visit www.floridapsc.com. Follow the PSC on Twitter, @floridapsc.
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