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Hedahl lobbies for asbestos bill
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Thursday, February 9, 2006 - 5:00 pm
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Hedahl lobbies for asbestos bill
By MARY CLARE JALONICK Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON — Dick Hedahl, owner of a Bismarck-based auto parts company, traveled to the nation’s capitol this week to lobby for legislation that would set up a $140 billion fund to pay people sickened by asbestos.At the same time, North Dakota Sen.
Kent Conrad, the top Democrat on the Senate Budget Committee, says the bill is “seriously flawed” and could cost taxpayers up to $300 billion.The bill, which the Senate is debating this week, would pay asbestos victims from the privately supported trust fund in exchange for halting all asbestos-related court cases.Supporters say the proposal would speed relief to people sickened by exposure to asbestos, a fibrous mineral commonly used until the mid-1970s in insulation and fireproofing material.
Its tiny fibers can cause cancer and other ailments when inhaled, but the diseases often take decades to develop.
Such a fund would keep many businesses sued by asbestos victims afloat, ra...
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