Ill. lawmakers attend cable convention

Ill. lawmakers attend cable convention

	Published : Tue, 08 May 2007 20:06 By : Agencies Print this Story

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - About a dozen state lawmakers flew to Las Vegas last weekend for a cable television convention while legislation that could change the industry awaits action in Springfield.

The Cable Television and Communications Association of Illinois invited all 38 members of House and Senate committees that will consider the legislation that could bring competition to the industry.

At least 11 members attended the beginning of the National Cable and Telecommunications Association convention in Sin City, arriving Saturday and departing Monday. An itinerary showed Monday crowded with meetings, but the only other event a dinner on Sunday.

'It is 100 percent an educational experience from our point of view,' Illinois cable lobbyist Gary Mack said. 'It's good for them to have a solid understanding of what kind of technology they are voting on.'

The House ethics officer OK'd the trip but said members should report it as a lobbyist's gift because covered expenses likely would exceed $500, a spokesman said.

Sen. Kirk Dillard, a Hinsdale Republican, defended the trip, saying it gave him access to 'the inventors, the engineers or the CEOs of major corporations' in the industry to help him understand the issues it faces.

But others declined, citing the appearance of impropriety when legislation affecting cable TV wends its way through the Statehouse.

'The last thing the public wants is for me to go on a junket to Vegas when we have a big bill up,' said Rep. Bill Mitchell, R-Forsyth.

The legislation would end franchise agreements between cable operators and local governments, opening up statewide franchises available to any business, including telecommunications giant AT&T.

Opponents fear newcomers would only offer cable to the most profitable neighborhoods.

AT&T spokesman Rob Biederman said his company doesn't offer legislators out-of-state travel and said the trip proves 'the cable industry is scared about the idea of having to compete against new video providers.'