Rep. Hales advocates for WY families, workers; Supports legal services program and increased OSHA penalties

Rep. Hales Advocates for Wyoming Families, Workers
Supports Legal Services Program and Increased OSHA Penalties

Cheyenne, WY – During the 2010 Legislative Budget Session Rep. Mary Hales (D-Casper) is focusing on legislation that would assist Wyoming families and workers.  During these difficult economic times Rep. Hales believes the legislature needs to focus on those who need help the most. 

Rep. Hales is cosponsoring a number of proposals moving through the legislature would directly help those hit hardest by the economic crisis.  “I think we need to take a step back and look at what, or rather who, matters.  The answer that I find is the people of Wyoming and I try to focus on their needs every day,” said Hales. 

One bill, HB 61, would create a legal services program.  It is designed to offer those who cannot afford an attorney access to the legal system for civil matters such as divorce or restraining orders.  The program would be funded by raising Wyoming court fees by $10. 

“Our legal system is not universally accessible and that needs to change.  We are cutting out those who cannot afford to pay cannot attain the justice they deserve,” said Hales. 

Another proposal, OSHA Penalties (HB 93), focuses on worker safety by imposing stricter penalties for workplace safety violations and creates a higher level fine for instances that result in the death of an employee.

“In Wyoming we really need to take worker safety seriously and let companies know that we are taking it seriously as well,” commented Hales, “This is one great way for us to demonstrate that the safety of our workers is priority number one.”

Rep. Hales is a cosponsor on both HB 93 and HB 61.  Both proposals have successfully passed the House and will now be heard in the Senate.

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