Laserfiche WebLink
i 10 TJi,����a <br /> '� { <br /> 7 <br /> NEWS RELEASE <br /> Date: Monday, February 11, 2013 <br /> Contact: (574) 210 - 9623 or VScheyPSouthBendiN.gov <br /> From: 3rd District Council Member,Valerie Schey <br /> "3rd District Council Member Voices Opposition to SB 373 Addressing Whistleblower Suppression" <br /> SB 373 is pending in the Indiana General Assembly. The bill, also known as the Anti-Whistleblower Bill, <br /> was written to prevent employees and undercover investigators from documenting and reporting unsafe <br /> working conditions, environmental problems and animal abuse taking place on industrial factory farms. <br /> Over the years employees and investigators have taken great risks to come forward with reports of <br /> horrific conditions and cruel mistreatment of animals on industrial factory farms. In 2008,the work of an <br /> undercover investigator reveled how diseased, or "downer", cows were being used for beef sold to <br /> consumers in grocery stores. That investigation led to the country's largest ever meat recall and a state <br /> law banning the use of such downed cattle. <br /> As an elected South Bend City Council Member I believe that reputable businesses don't need laws <br /> silencing whistleblowers. I question the constitutionality of whistleblower suppression as infringing on <br /> our First Amendment right to free speech and freedom of the press. <br /> SB 373 is scheduled to be heard by the Corrections and Criminal Law Committee this Tuesday, February <br /> 12th. I believe that creating a law making it illegal for an individual to report unsafe working conditions, <br /> environmental issues or other abuses in the work place is a violation of our American ideals. I am <br /> therefore contacting members of the Indiana General Assembly and members of the Corrections and <br /> Criminal Law Committee and will be urging them to vote "No" on SB 3711 encourage others to do the <br /> same so that this Bill is defeated. <br />