Recently on the Get Illinois Online (GIO) listserv:
(quite a contrast with Maine’s Resolve!)
Not only was Net Neutrality cut out of HB 1500, an Illinois House Resolution (HR 307) sponsored by Rep. Fritchey (D-Chicago) stalled in the House Computer Technology Committee and never made it to the House floor. While it would have no legal force, it would have expressed the sense of the Illinois House on the matter to the President, the Congress and the FCC. See the text below.
Stu Chapman
Municipal Services Associates, Inc.
HOUSE RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The growth of a free and open Internet has provided historic advances in the realms of communication, research and economic development; and
WHEREAS, Development of new technology is a crucial element in the transformation of Illinois’ economy to meet future needs; and
WHEREAS, To encourage broadband deployment and preserve and promote the open and interconnected nature of the Internet, Illinois consumers are entitled to access the lawful Internet content of their choice without interference by their Internet service providers; and
WHEREAS, To encourage the transformation of Illinois’ economy to meet future needs and to further the growth of Illinois’ technology industry, Illinois businesses are entitled to, and require, open and unfettered Internet access; and
WHEREAS, A free and open Internet helps to ensure the free flow of information and political and religious speech that makes for a strong and vibrant democracy; and
WHEREAS, The exponential growth of the Internet has flourished as a result of both the government’s “hand’s off”
approach, ever increasing competition, as well as fierce consumer interest; and
WHEREAS, Regulation of the Internet may interfere with future investment and innovations benefiting the health and well-being of its end user customers; and
WHEREAS, Internet users should be given a choice when it comes to selecting a broadband connection that will meet their current and future needs for speed, reliability, quality of service, and capabilities not yet envisioned; and
WHEREAS, Broadband connections, services, and applications should continue to become more affordable and accessible to all consumers; and
WHEREAS, Companies that invest in broadband and broadband-related applications should be afforded the flexibility to explore fair and competitive business models and pricing plans for their products and services; and
WHEREAS, Mandated net neutrality regulations would impede future capital investments in the U.S. broadband infrastructure, which already lags behind its European and Asian counterparts; therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that the Illinois House of Representatives calls upon the Congress of the United States of America to refrain from legislation that would regulate the Internet and to maintain today’s approach that allows the competitive marketplace to drive broadband and broadband-related applications development and deployment free from governmental regulation; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be sent to the President of the United States, the members of the Federal Communications Commission, and to each member of the Illinois Congressional delegation.