Equifax PAC Holds Fund-Raiser for Senator Behind Pro-Industry Changes to C

[Judi Lynn]

Tuesday, October 28

Equifax PAC Holds Fund-Raiser for Senator Behind Pro-Industry Changes to Credit Reporting Bill
By Sharon Theimer Associated Press Writer
Published: Oct 28, 2003


WASHINGTON (AP) - A few days after Sen. Robert Bennett helped advance proposals favorable to the credit-bureau industry, a company that sought the changes threw a fund-raiser that brought in tens of thousands of dollars for the Utah Republican's re-election campaign.

An aide to Bennett, second-ranking Republican on the Senate Banking Committee, and Equifax Inc. say the timing was a coincidence, though a consumer advocate says it shows "what consumers are up against in Washington."

The Equifax political action committee event Sept. 26 at company headquarters in Atlanta raised roughly $25,000 to $30,000 for the Utah Republican, said Kent Mast, Equifax's general counsel. Bennett is being challenged by a Democratic former state attorney general next year.

(snip) His group contends Bennett's amendments will make it more difficult for people to access their reports, particularly middle-income and lower-income consumers who lack Internet access. (snip/...)

http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGAQU62PBMD.html

[salin]

1. Good and Bad news

The legislation is bad. The buying of another public official is bad.

The legislation and buying of another public official is GOOD fodder for a state atty general (fighting on behalf of the people) in a campaign.

Frame: who is bennet helping - those of you, in tough economic times, who are preyed upon by predatory credit card companies and credit-bureau companies - of the companies. Why, in tough economic times, is it a good idea to limit consumers access to records about their own credit histories? Because the companies fear a deluge of requests. Or because it is harder for individuals to fight incorrect reports (and demand fair treatment) when they do not have access to those reports. In tough economic times, it is more important than ever, to deliver to citizens and consumers, the tools needed to manage their money, their debts, and ensure that companies do not take advantage by withholding information, of families who may suddenly find themselves in difficult economic times.