Last week, GLBT News published a story about the state of Kansas trying to block the growth of the internet in all their communities. Communication on the internet about the state’s actions may have embarrassed legislators enough that they withdrew their idea. Because that’s exactly what they did when they postponed hearings set for last week. State Sen. Julia Lynn (R-Olathe) announced that she “visited with industry representatives … [who]agreed to spend some time gathering input before we move forward with a public hearing.†The original bill, giving power to cable companies, was introduced by John Federico, a cable industry lobbyist. It appears that in Kansas, industry can directly submit legislation to the House floor instead of an elected member.
