Family Fights Against Asbestos Trust Fund Bill -- MesoLink.org -- 02-22-06

The family of a man that died from asbestos exposure is fighting the asbestos trust fund bill. The trust fund is designed to pay out compensation to victims of asbestos exposure, thus wiping out court based asbestos action and protecting companies from bankruptcy through asbestos litigation.

Those supporting the bill state that victims would be able to get their hands on compensation far more quickly than they do now. However, those opposing the bill state that victims could lose their rights with the new bill. The daughter of Frank Beesaw, who passed away from asbestos exposure at the age of 79, spoke out.

"My dad, Frank Beesaw, was a World War Two veteran, a Marine. He was very proud of that. He served in the South Pacific. He had family that loved him. Everybody loved 'Uncle Frank,'" she stated.

She added: "This bill takes away our right to pursue legal action. It minimizes my father as an individual, and it allows them to make an anonymous, write an anonymous check to a fund. I want to be able to face them on behalf of my father and say this was wrong."