In a recent CNN op-ed, Minnesota Sen. Al Franken called net neutrality “the most important First Amendment issue of our time.” This Thursday, August 19, Minnesotans will have the chance to have their say at a public hearing with the FCC on the future of free speech and the open internet.

The hearing, presented by Free Press, Main Street Project and the Center for Media Justice, will take place this Thursday at 6pm at South High School in Minneapolis. Featured speakers include FCC Commissioners Michael Copps and Mignon Clyburn and Minnesota Secretary of State Mark Ritchie, with more to be announced. Visit savetheinternet.com’s event page to learn more and RSVP.

Sen. Franken, an outspoken proponent of net neutrality, was also a keynote speaker at the 2009 Future of Music Policy Summit. Check out our footage of Sen. Franken discussing free speech and the open internet at Summit ‘09 here and here, or check out his full address and followup Q&A with Mike Mills of R.E.M.