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From KeepUsConnected.org

Amended Video Franchise Bill Not Heard in Illinois

May 29, 2007

No amendment to House Bill 1500 was introduced at today’s House Telecommunications Committee hearing. As previously reported, considerable work has been completed on an amendment to the bill as the Attorney General's office and House staff work with telephone and cable companies, cities, PEGs and consumer advocates to craft a bill that will result in fair competition.

Monday's Crain's Chicago Business cites Springfield sources as saying AT&T is balking at a revised, more pro-consumer bill brokered by Attorney General Lisa Madigan.

Whether or not a bill gets out by the end of this session, progress on the HB 1500 amendment lays a firm foundation for any future telecom legislation. We are grateful for the excellent work of Susan Satter of the Attorney General's office and Louie Mossos of Speaker Madigan's staff on the HB 1500 amendment.

And thanks to all of you for keeping alive our call to Springfield to Keep Us Connected.

Click here for original draft of HB 1500.
Click here to learn more about the Keep Us Connected coalition.

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Talking Points
As originally written, HB 1500:

Harms Public, Educational and Government (PEG) Access TV channels
Drops meaningful requirements that companies serve everyone
Weakens customer service protections
Harms fair competition