Illinois’ video franchise reform bill passed the state Senate 54-0 yesterday, putting an exclamation point on the House’s 113-0 vote two weeks ago. Although franchise reform bills have been passing by greater and greater margins, this is, I believe, the first time it has achieved unanimous majorities in both chambers of a state legislature. Despite efforts by municipalities to hold on control of what have become lucrative revenue streams to be milked for all their worth (with fees, surcharges and hidden costs passed on the consumers), legislators clearly heard from their constituents that they want competition and lower prices. The bill now goes to Gov. Rod Blagojovich (D), who is expected to sign it. Read the Chicago Sun-Times’ coverage here.