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I <br />I <br /> <br />September 2, 1996 <br /> <br />I <br />I <br />I <br /> <br />The Honorable Glen Hardin <br />15153 Nov'(hen Blvd, NW <br />Ramsey, NI~ 55303-6197 <br /> <br />Dear Mayor Hardin: <br /> <br />Here in Minrnesuta, a statewide, grassroots, citizens group concerned about lawsuit abuse has recently <br />formed, and it is called the Minnesota Lawsuit Abuse Watch or M-LAW. As a non-partisan, watchdog <br />group, M-LI~W's mission is to exlucatc the public about the overall costs of lawsuit abuse to consumers, <br />businesses ~ taxpayers in Minnesota. <br /> <br />This huge undertaking began in June of 1996 with a highly successful public launch - - M-LAW held <br />press confe~nces in every mjor out-state media market. Already, over five hundred Minnesotans, <br />troubled by ~e deluge offi'ivolous lawsuits and excessive damage awards, have become M-LAW <br />supporters. <br /> <br />M-LAW firmly believes that we all pay for Minnesota's "lawsuit lottery." <br /> <br />As taxpayers, we all pay the price for frivolous lawsuits brought against school boards, municipalities <br />and state government in the form of higher taxes and reduced services. Often times, these groups are <br />named ~ lawsuits simply because they are perceived as "deep pockets." <br /> <br />As consumers, wc ail pay a "lawsuit tax" that is built into the price of everyday goods and services. It <br />has beeR estimated that lawsuit abuse costs every Minnesotan $1,200 annually. <br /> <br />As small business men and women, we do not have to lose a lawsuit for lawsuit abuse to affect our <br />businesses. The cost of defending against a frivolous lawsuit can literally put a once-prosperous <br />businesS out of business. <br /> <br />M-LAW hasigained the support of the League of Minnesota Cities which shares M-LAW' s belief that <br />fairness, conimon sense and personal responsibility must be restored to our civil justice system. <br /> <br />As part of M?LAW's on-going public education activities, M-LAW is leading an effort to recognize the <br />week of September 23'~ through the 28t~ as %awsuit Abuse Awareness Week" in Minnesota, Critical to <br />the success of tiffs week is.involvement from community leaders like yourself. M-LAW politely requests <br />t~t you issu4 a statement or proclamation'declaring "Lawsuit Abuse Awareness Week" in your city. <br />Attached is al. draft proclamation, if you have any questions or would like additional information about <br />M-LAW, pl ~e41se contact Dawn Ellen Comiea, M-LAW executive director, at (612) 871-0294 or <br />(1-800) 382-0294. <br /> <br />Your willingness to act on this request is greatly appreciated. Please mail a copy of your city's statement <br />or proclamation to M-LAW, P.O. Box 50118, Minneapolis, MN 55405 or fax it to (612) 871-7699 <br />or (1-800) 382-7699 by September 16th. Again, thank you for your help in bringing attention to this very <br />important wek&, <br /> <br />Sincerely, <br /> <br />Dick Borrell <br />M-LAW stateWifle chair <br /> <br />cc: attachment <br /> <br />FO Box 50118 · Minneapolis, MN 55405 , Telephone (612) 87t-0294 · (1.800) 382-0294 <br /> Fag (612) 871-7699 · Fax (1-800) 382-7699 <br /> <br /> <br />