With Altice, the owner of the Optimum cable system, and MSG Networks at odds in the New York metropolitan area, two state legislators have made it clear that they want both sides to resume negotiations to bring Knicks, Rangers, Islanders and New Jersey Devils games back to their customers.

Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages, who represents the 22nd Assembly District in Long Island’s Nassau County, and state Sen. Jamaal Bailey, who represents parts of The Bronx and Westchester County, were among the first local officials to call attention to the impasse. They’ve remained in contact with both sides since the blackout went into effect at midnight on New Year’s Day.

A new carriage deal will be appreciated by their constituents, but it’ll be critical for both carrier and channel. Both Bailey and Solages’ districts represent over a half-million residents, all within Altice’s coverage map, and as is the case around the country, many of them have already cut the cord in recent years. The operator closed out Q3 with 1.94 million video subscribers, down 13% vs. the year-ago 2.23 million.