Congresswoman Doris Matsui Announces U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke To Visit Sacramento

Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-05) announced that U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke will be coming to Sacramento to discuss the transition to Digital Television (DTV) and resources that are available for Sacramentans to prepare for the upcoming transition. Secretary Locke will join Congresswoman Matsui on Tuesday, May 26th at 1:00PM at the Sacramento Central Library, located at 828 I St. in downtown Sacramento.

"I am pleased to announce that Secretary Locke will be coming to Sacramento to help raise awareness about the switch to digital television," said Congresswoman Matsui. "The switch to digital TV is an important step in achieving public safety, and will enhance the quality and options of public television for all Sacramentans. As we prepare for transition, I am committed to continuing to provide additional resources for my constituents to make their transition as seamless as possible."

Congresswoman Matsui and the Obama Administration are working closely together to help provide additional resources for Sacramentans in the form of free coupons for analog boxes, a website with complete information, a 24-hour call center for questions, and a variety of public events to help create an east and smooth transition to digital television. Rep. Matsui has also added a link from her website with additional information, available at www.matsui.house.gov.

Earlier this year, Rep. Matsui supported and President Obama signed-into law S. 352, the Digital TV Delay Act. The bill, which is under the jurisdiction of the Energy and Commerce Committee on which Rep. Matsui serves, implemented a one-time delay of the scheduled February 17, 2009 elimination of analog television broadcasting until June 12, 2009 to allow additional time for Americans to acquire analog boxes and increase awareness.

"Soft tests" also began today on Sacramento channels, which briefly interrupts regular programming to remind consumers about the upcoming transition, as well as providing educational information. Research shows that an estimated 4.92% of Sacramento households are not yet ready for the DTV transition, and that 199,620 households currently rely entirely on over-the-air broadcasts.

Secretary Locke and Congresswoman Matsui will be joined at Tuesday's event by Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson and other community members. Information about how to obtain coupons will be available at the event, and the event is free and open to the public.