Stop Secret Settlements (Rev. 8-28-01)

SB 11 (Escutia) is the bill to end secret settlements in lawsuits that affect the health and safety of the public, when the environment is being poisoned, when energy prices are being manipulated, or there are unfair insurance claims practices. This bill is the top priority of the consumer groups in the state.

Examples of these nefarious practices abound. The Ford-Firestone tire case in which hundreds of people died or were injured while these companies paid claims and hid the information from the public. Others include a defective heart valve, poison in our drinking water and the Ford Pinto, which exploded on rear impact.

Big business interests are working furiously to kill SB 11 and protect corporate criminals. These practices must end and you can make it happen by contacting the Governor and letting him know that he must choose between protecting consumers and corporate interests. Below is a sample letter you can send. Please use your own words.

Honorable Gray Davis, Governor
State of California
State Capitol Building
Sacramento, CA 95814

Dear Governor Davis:

I am writing in support of SB 11, which will lift the veil of secrecy that allows companies like Ford and Firestone to conceal unsafe products. The public needs to know about life-threatening defects before people are hurt. After a tragedy happens, it is too late. We need real change to protect the public from corporate abuses.

I am counting on you to do everything in your power to ensure that SB 11 becomes law. Thank you.

Sincerely,

YOUR NAME
YOUR STREET ADDRESS
YOUR CITY, STATE, ZIP CODE

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