To the Editor:

In several of the columns “The Chamber Beat,” Mr. Williams continues to beat the drum stating that LD 553 is a, to use his terms, “a bad bill.” Yet he does not give the reader a full understanding of the bill, but only a few out of context snipits of the proposed bill. LD 553 is named “Act to end at will employment.” It requires employers to provide employees a copy of a written personnel policy, with a list of offenses that the employee may be terminated for. The employer may terminate an employee immediately if:

1. the employee has violated any state law;

2. in the judgement of the employer, the employee has endangered safety, harmed the reputation of the business, limited the ability of the business to operate;

3. violated the written policy of the business.

These are not “limited exceptions”, as Mr. Williams states. “At will” employment means that an employer can, for any reason, terminate an employee. This bill, LD 553, allows the employee to know, in writing, the rules of the business before employment.

In reference to LD 1343, all states tax lodging. It is a state tax and only affects those staying in lodging and who can afford a modest one time tax increase. It’s effect on “killing local business” is pure conjecture.

Mr. Williams fails to give the reader all the facts about LD 553 or LD 1343. Go online, read the bills, then make a fair and balanced judgement.

Mike Schobinger

Norway