5 make 80

Barton bill sponsor list grow

Two Democrats, 3 Republicans sign on just before recess

The Barton bill got a boost as Congress neared its summer recess when five more cosponsors joined the 75 already signed on to Rep. Joe Barton's legislation designed to reform cleanup standards for drycleaning solvents.

The new cosponsors are Democrats Jim Barcia of Michigan and Mike Doyle of Pennsylvania and Republicans Scott McInnis of Colorado, Christopher Cannon of Utah and Barbara Cubin of Wyoming.They are the first group of co-sponsors to sign on since early April, although several had indicated their intention to support the bill some time ago.

Congress will be on its "Independence Day District Work Period" from June 26 through July 13 providing an opportunity for constituents to meet with their representatives in their home districts. Congress will again be out from August 10 through Sept. 8 for the "Summer District Work Period," another good time to schedule meetings in home districts.

"Many may be especially receptive to hearing from constituents now, in this election year," said Charlotte Gillespie of the Baise, Miller and Freer law firm which has been working to get the bill through Congress.

But Gillespie also noted that time is short for the 105th Congress. The July 14-Aug. 9 session will be followed by just a few weeks of work after Labor Day. With elections coming up in November, Oct. 9 is the targeted adjournment date.

Rep. Barton has said that if there is no action on the bill this year, he plans to round up the supporters and reintroduce the measure when the new Congress convenes in 1999.

Barton had asked the industry to line up 100 supporters for the bill after he introduced it last year. Industry supporters remain confident that can be achieved.

Fund-raising efforts for the bill continue, too, through the Dry Cleaners Action fund of America. Contributions continue to come in, but expenses associated with lobbying continue, too. Donations in any amount can be made in the form of a checks made out to the Dry Cleaners Action Fund of America and sent to DCAFA, c/o MILD, PO Box 14044, Lansing, MI 48901.

The Details...

• Dry Cleaners Action Fund of America
• Text of the Barton Bill
• Summary of HR 1711
• Rep. Barton's "Dear Colleague" letter
• The Barton bill Scorecard
• Barney Deden's letter to drycleaners

Information from FLARE to help cleaners get the message to Congress

• Sample Congressional Letter
• Talking Points
• How the Barton Bill Protects Cleaners from Excessive Clean-up Costs
• Environmental Problems Facing Drycleaners
• Possible Arguments Against The Bill

Contacting Your Representative

• Step-by-step guide to congressional contact
• Congressional Directory
• Locate Your Representative
• Members of Key Committees dealing with the Barton bill