New Democrat Update - June 1998
WEBB BACKS AUTO CHOICE
At a news conference, Denver Mayor Wellington Webb announced his support for a federal proposal called the Auto Choice Act. This bipartisan measure offers drivers a way to significantly reduce auto insurance costs through expanded consumer choice.
Colorado Democrats - especially Congresswoman Diana Degette (Denver) and Congressman David Skaggs (Boulder) - should support the Mayor because Auto Choice can significantly reduce annual premiums for Colorado motorists by an average of $230 - the 12th highest savings in the nation. Today, middle class families spend an average 150 percent more on auto insurance then they do on education.
Auto Choice achieves these significant savings by giving motorists the option to not sue for non-economic damages for personal injuries resulting from an accident. Still eligible for recovery of economic losses like medical bills, lost wages and other medical expenses, consumers would be able to reduce their insurance costs if they agree not to sue other drivers for pain and suffering.
If you would like a copy of Mayor Webb's remarks and an article on Auto Choice by Congressman Jim Moran (D-Virginia) from the January/February 1998 issue of The New Democrat, please send an e-mail.
JOIN THE CONVERSATION!
The Democratic Leadership Council is hosting its second annual National Conversation, June 4, in Washington, DC. Current and upcoming leaders from around the country will focus on making the Democratic Party the majority party at the beginning of the next century.
Colorado has again shown great national leadership with a super turnout. At last count, we rank second in the country in the number of participants, only surpassed by populous Florida (which has nearly four times as many congressional districts). Elected officials in the Colorado delegation include Denver Mayor Wellington Webb, State Senator Stan Matsunaka (Loveland), State Representatives Bob Bacon (Fort Collins), Dan Grossman (Denver), Bob Hagedorn (Aurora), Jennifer Veiga (Denver), and Suzanne Williams (Aurora).
President Clinton has been confirmed as the keynote speaker. If you have not yet RSVPed for this important event, contact Allison Baker or Helen Milby at 202-546-0007 as soon as possible.