Declarations

July 19, 2021

“I thought there would be a lot of integrity and thoroughness to the investigation process, and I didn’t get a sense that the medical board really looked at the matter.”

— Alka Airy, who filed a complaint of unprofessional conduct and potential negligence against the University of California-San Francisco after her sister died the year before, was one of a number of patients and their families who have testified at legislative hearings to discuss reforming the Medical Board of California.

“We will achieve a historic victory for American freedom and at the same time, freedom of speech.”

— Former U.S. President Donald J. Trump said, announcing the filing of lawsuits against Twitter Inc., Facebook Inc. and Alphabet Inc.’s Google, as well as their chief executives, alleging they unlawfully silence conservative viewpoints. The lawsuits, filed in U.S. District Court in Miami, allege the California-based social media platforms violated the right to freedom of speech guaranteed by the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Trump is seeking class action status for the lawsuits, Reuters reported.

“This step removes hidden forever chemicals from human exposure. It is an important step to keep Vermonters healthy.”

— Vermont Senator Ginny Lyons said in a written statement regarding a bill Vermont Governor Phil Scott signed into law that restricts the use, manufacture and sale of products in the state containing a group of toxic chemicals collectively known as PFAS. The law took effect on July 1, with restrictions on certain products going into effect over the next several years.

“The pain was real and lasting, whether the abuse happened 60 years ago or more recently. In some cases, survivors explained why they kept the abuse secret; in others, they described how their allegations were ignored or covered up for decades.”

— A report issued by Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller concluded that Roman Catholic priests sexually abused minors across the state for decades while church leaders covered it up, but reforms implemented in recent years have largely stopped the problem. The three-year review by the AG found the number of complaints, victims and the duration of the abuse was “overwhelming” and the “cover-up was extensive.”

“A used car shortage is driving prices up, so it’s more important than ever to be informed and know the signs of water damage.”

— Doug Slape, chief deputy commissioner at the Texas Department of Insurance, warned in a media release that flood-damage vehicles may be hitting the state’s resale market following the heavy rains and flooding that swamped Louisiana and Southeast Texas in May. TDI noted that scam artists will buy salvage cars at auction and resell them to unsuspecting buyers.

“We’re trying to keep guardrails on the program, but it’s a slippery slope.”

— Dr. Jennifer Bryan, chair of the Mississippi State Medical Association Board of Trustees, testified in front of lawmakers on the effect a medical marijuana program could have on the state. Bryan advocated for strict rules on how medical marijuana is packaged and marketed if it is legalized. In May, the Mississippi Supreme Court overturned a voter-approved medical marijuana program, arguing that the state’s initiative process is outdated.