Rep. Courtney, Sen. Blumenthal, Local Voices Crack Down on Junk Fees | Congressman Joe Courtney
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Rep. Courtney, Sen. Blumenthal, Local Voices Crack Down on Junk Fees

June 17, 2024

“We, the fans, need to be put before profits.”

NORWICH, CT – As the summer concert season ramps up, U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, and local voices held a press conference today at the Garde Arts Center to discuss how hidden junk fees are taking money out of people’s pocket. Download video here.

“What I did not expect was $41.10 in fees that showed up when I went to check out,” Jason Sattler of Groton said describing his experience purchasing tickets for an upcoming show through Ticketmaster. “We need transparency and regulation on these so-called fees. … We, the fans, need to be put before profits.”

Sattler is not alone in his frustration. Congressman Courtney said “dozens and dozens” of constituents have reached out to his office to share their frustrations, leading to Congressional action.

“It doesn’t matter if you’re a Democrat or Republican in Congress, we are hearing from our communities about the junk fees tacked on to goods and services,” Courtney said. “That external pressure has forced movement in Congress – even in an extremely polarized Congress.” 

In May, Courtney voted in the U.S. House to pass the TICKET Act, which ensures the total cost of a ticket is reflected in all promotional and advertising materials so consumers are not saddled with surprise fees.

“The TICKET Act was passed by an overwhelming margin, which would address some of the problems Jason raised by eliminating surprise billing and requiring full, up-front pricing,” Courtney added.

Junk fees are an issue that stretch beyond just the entertainment industry, Courtney said. It effects the resort and travel industry, and countless others, too.   

Senator Blumenthal’s Junk Fee Prevention Act, which Courtney strongly supports, tackles junk fees across industries by eliminating excessive, hidden, and unnecessary fees imposed on consumers and requiring full prices of services be provided upfront ensuring transparency in the ticketing, hotel, and entertainment industries.  

“Everyone has been a victim of the excessive and exploitative fees charged by Ticketmaster, airlines, hotels, internet service providers, and others. They are pervasive and the industry uses them because they can be confusing and concealed, and consumers only learn about them at the end of the purchasing process. My Junk Fees Prevention Act would require upfront information about what the cost is because consumers deserve no less than full transparency and choice,” Blumenthal stated.

“Congressman Courtney and Senator Blumenthal's legislative efforts to tackle junk fees and provide transparency to fans via the TICKET Act and Junk Fee Prevention Act are the first steps of what I hope are many in providing more protection to fans,” Sattler said of the legislative action.

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Issues: Economy & Jobs