It wasn't a hoax... see below: >----- Original Message ----- >From: Constance Putnam <ConPutnam@AOL.COM> >To: <IA-NEB-ROOTS-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU> >Sent: Wednesday, February 02, 2000 12:42 AM >Subject: [IA-NEB] Followup -Closing Public Records Access in Iowa > > >> Hi Violet. I received the following response to my email...evidently >it's >> just birth records that may be affected. >> Please note that I gave the wrong email address for Betty Soukup, Iowa >State >> Senator whose response was almost instantaneous. It should not be Soup >> kup...... connie >> bsoukup@legis.state.ia.us (Soukup, Betty) >> >> >> Thank you for your interest in the proposed change in the procedure >relating >> to copies of birth records. This initiative will be part of the Department >> of Public Health's legislative package for the 2000 session. >> >> I have spoken with officials in the Department of Public Health to >> hear their rationale for this change. They have indicated that under >> current law anyone can walk into a county courthouse and look at birth >> records. Their concern stems, not from wanting to restrict access to such >> records, but from a history of abuse by those seeking to establish false >> identities. >> >> I understand your concern, but there is a specific problem the >> Department is trying to address and the Legislature will have to evaluate >> the arguments. >> >> I am unsure how to address this issue, but the Department has >> indicated they are willing to discuss alternatives. >> >> Thank you again for sharing your views with me. Please feel free to >> contact me with any additional information or comments. >> >> Sincerely, >> Betty Soukup >> State Senator >> >> ----------------------------------------------- >> List problems? >> Check >> your WELCOME message FIRST >> http://php.indiana.edu/~stephenl/problems.htm SECOND >> then contact stephenL@indiana.edu >> >>