Net Neutrality bill in Maine is moving forward!
By Jon Bartholomew
Posted on Fri Jun 01, 2007 at 02:53:08 PM EST
Maine is taking unprecedented steps to enact Net Neutrality protections for its residents, but the fight is not over yet.
Maine has become the first state in the nation to have a bill clear committee addressing the issue of Net Neutrality. The Utilities and Energy Committee voted "Ought to Pass" on an amended bill that will require the Maine Public Advocate's office to study the issue of Net Neutrality and determine whether or not Maine can pass meaningful legislation to protect Maine's internet users.
Hundreds of Maine residents have contacted their legislators so far in support of this bill (LD 1675) and testimony has been submitted by Common Cause, the MCLU, small business owners, the Community Television Association of Maine, and regular citizens who care about keeping the internet open.
Newspapers such as the Portland Press Herald, Brunswick Times Record and the Bangor Daily News have supported Net Neutrality in editorials as well.
While it is a fantastic victory to have the committee acknowledge the importance of this issue, the fight is not over. We need to pass this bill in both the House and the Senate - and the telecom firms want to nip this in the bud. They realize that if we win here, the fight will move to other states.
So if you know anyone in Maine, urge them to contact their legislators in support of LD 1675 today.
Tags: net neutrality, Maine, in the states, Media and Democracy (all tags)
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