ustxtxb_obs_1979_02_02_50_00015-00000_000.pdf

Unfair to whom? Dozens of corporate lobbyists are . lined up this session to weaken the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act, one of the strongest pieces of proconsumer legislation on the books, and to the surprise of consumer advocates, the companies have come up with some progressive allies. One is El Paso Rep. Luther Jones, who voted for the act in 1973, but now says he believes the law is “unfair.” He has introduced HB 311 to remove the automatic triple-damages provision of the act for all judgments over $500 and leave the settlement amount to the discretion of the judge and jury. Jones says he’s concerned about the effect of the act upon small business operatorsespecially minority businessmen with little capital and inadequate insurancewho could be put out of business by a triple-damage suit. Jones says his bill is not the lobby’s bill”they’ll pass theirs; mine probably won’t make it”but he never considered limiting the bill to provide some relief for small business only. Under HB 311, Sears Roebuck will be afforded the same relief as, say, Tony’s Tortilla Factory. “I want them all to benefit,” Jones says. “The law as it is produces shakedown lawsuits. A small claim can become a large claim; the law encourages nuisance settlements.” Vicki Vaughan Something good Newly elected Sen. Bob Vale of San Antonio has introduced legis lation this session to remove the sales tax from solar and other alternative energy devices, thus giving official state sanction to the idea that we ‘might try other energy sources in Texas besides oil and gas, plus giving a needed boost to our fledgling solar industry. Vale’s bill is. the follow-up to last fall’s Proposition 4a constitutional amendment that authorized the Legislature to exempt these devices from state taxation. Vale, then a member of the House, was sponsor in 1977 of legislation that led to Proposition 4, which was overwhelmingly approved by the voters in November. A companion bill to Vale’s is being introduced in the House by Rep. Paul Elizondo of San Antonio, andfor a changethe chances of passing such a progressive and important measure in both houses look good. For more information, contact Sen. Bob Vale, 409 Capitol Building, Austin 78711. We’ll steak our reputation on our Ribeye. Many people say the Wharf’s Ribeye Steak is the finest around. A cut of choice grade corn-fed beef from the eye of the prime rib seasoned and broiled as you request it. Or how about Alaskan king crab? Teriyaki shrimp? Australian lobster? You’ll be glad to know there are no beefs about our seafood. That’s just a sampling of all the delicious entrees at the Wharf. All including a visit to the salad bar you’ve heard so many good things about. Come in and enjoy the fine food and service we’re known for. ti ega ie r AUSTIN COLLEGE STATION SAN ANTONIO TEMPLE CORPUS CHRISTI VICTORIA PORT ARANSAS BROWNSVILLE HARLINGEN McALLEN TUCSON a ITT T.4.747 1.4.7.6″:01.61. ……. aTyTyt.0 T T.era:r “,..”%a:” ‘”+:%.”” 1A-,\(f49’0, an/i 4t, ,bad clite.5o \(14962-14tite .4,1: m -etruk o\(Lat Vq6WaviAleit, a/4.Q 660.de,itio0L-6 1-4 Start your love affair with the Gaslight this Valentine’s Day “WAIT UNTIL DARK” Frederick Knott’s Drama Opening Feb. 14 thru Mar. 11 I Reservations 476-4536 Wed to Sat, 8 p.m., Sun Mat 2 p.m.; $4.50, $3.50 Gen Adm, $3 Student & Group Gaslight Theatre, West Fourth & Lavaca Streets, Austin Ti 4:” T T T 1T “ti:” T.& TIT *r “Une” yT a T TyTyT T TTTW TiTrT T .A.1* Tar c yatv’te imAitted tv di/72.e at Cate4.4 Cam, .2/z Fecit,peA, alvogi,7 -e/7,14 c4envA_.e/14/eilonafr alo y ga.+ //2112, 4,..,e/we,4/472+a/o v iclazz+ P246m 0,Q02. -e4 aUcoloea/nezi2ege, THE TEXAS OBSERVER . 15