Ever since I learned that Illinois Democratic Representative Constance Howard is sponsoring a bill in Illinois to protect consumers from Y2k (losing their houses, etc.), I've been wondering who--among our 100 U.S. Senators--would be willing to step up to the plate and do the same for the rest of us?

After all, if companies are allowed to escape Y2K related lawsuits, shouldn't we--the people--also be protected from their potential Y2K mistakes?

I wonder what sort of protection would be needed and which senator would be most willing to introduce legislation? Anyone in your state? Not much time left, which is why I think the Senate would be best because it's more powerful. Contact would need to be made soon. I've thought about approaching a senator from my state but don't know exactly how to word the letter.

FYI: Constance Howard's email address is choward@housedem.state.il.us

Suggestions

-- FM (vidprof@aol.com), March 01, 1999

Answers

FM,

That bill has passed in the house! There was an article about it in Sat. Chicago Tribune (in the main section). We threw the paper away, and I am in a big hurry right now, so I don't have time to look it up for you. :-( Sorry !!!!! www.chicagotribune.com - don't know how long the articles stay up.

Good idea on the nat'l legislation, definately needed. Gotta run!

-- Deborah (info@wars.com), March 01, 1999.

Citizen protection bills will probably be few and far between. In your mind, come up with a figure that you would pay a lobbyist to lobby such a bill. Now, come up with a figure that CitiBank will pay a lobbyist to make sure that you do have to pay and that CitiBank doesn't have to pay. Who wins?

-- Puddintame (dit@dot.com), March 01, 1999.

Diana, Glad to learn the Illinois bill passed in the House. I'll see if I can find the article on my own. Thanks! I have no doubt national legislation will be a much tougher pill to swallow. High paid corporate lobbyists will fight such legislation tooth and nail. That's why we need to know names of senators with successful track records of protecting the "little guy." I hope many regular posters can offer suggestions on this.

-- FM (vidprof@aol.com), March 01, 1999.

Ooops. I meant thanks Deborah, not Diana. Brain cramp. Sorry. :)

-- FM (vidprof@aol.com), March 01, 1999.

Puddintame, I was posting at the same time you were. I agree with your perspective on lobbyists, but sometimes politicians will advocate an issue for the media attention it engenders. Can't say that's always more powerful than lobbyists with deep pockets, but I know such politicians exist.

-- FM (vidprof@aol.com), March 01, 1999.