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State Representative Joe Atkins
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-4192
For more information contact: Ted Modrich 651-296-5809
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HOUSE PASSES ANTI-CONSUMER, ANTI-SMALL BUSINESS TORT REFORMS
(SAINT PAUL) — Today the Minnesota House of Representatives passed a series of tort reforms that would rig Minnesota’s judicial system in favor of big corporations and insurance companies at the expense of consumers, victims and small businesses.
The four bills passed today reduce pre-judgment interest rates from 10 percent to 4 percent, reduce the statute of limitations from six years to four years, create an undue burden on those bringing a class action claim, and make it more difficult for consumers and victims to retain counsel. Republicans have claimed that these measures are needed to create jobs.
“These bills aren’t job creators; they’re job killers," said Rep. Atkins (DFL – Inver Grove Heights). “Rather than help out middle-class folks or the little guy, these bills are giveaways to big business. That we would pass these under the guise of job growth is absurd. Minnesotans are smarter than that.”
Rep. Steve Simon (DFL – St. Louis Park) added that Republicans have also failed to demonstrate any evidence that these bills are necessary.
“Civil litigation has decreased by 40 percent in recent years and the US Chamber of Commerce ranked Minnesota as the eleventh-best business climate relative to litigation,” said Rep. Simon. “There is no evidence that these measures are necessary. In fact, they may be soft on scam artists who rip off everyday Minnesotans.
“These bills make it more difficult to victims of fraud, discrimination, or harassment to seek recourse, and simply line the pockets of corporations and insurance companies.”
DFL members offered a number of amendments to protect and help Minnesota seniors, military members, small businesses and consumers who have been intentionally defrauded or harassed. All were defeated on party-line votes.
The bills must now be passed by the Senate before being presented to Governor Dayton.
News Items
- Governor Dayton Signs Nurse Staffing Disclosure and Study Legislation - (Posted: May 10 2013 4:37PM)
- Minnesota House Passes Conference Committee Report on Bill Banning BPA in Children’s Food Containers - (Posted: May 10 2013 4:37PM)
- Governor Dayton Signs New Law Aimed at Protecting Minnesota Seniors from Wire Transfer Fraud - (Posted: May 10 2013 3:19PM)
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