GREENSTEIN URGES PRESIDENT TO SIGN FEDERAL  'DO NOT CALL' LEGISLATION

(MONROE) -- Assemblywoman Linda Greenstein today urged
President Bush to come to the aid of consumers all across America and
promptly sign federal legislation that would make enrollment on the
national "do not call" anti-telemarketing list permanent.

"The sheer volume of people who have signed up for the list proves that Americans and New Jersey residents want to be protected from fast-talking salespeople who are looking to make a quick buck," said Greenstein (D-Middlesex). "The President needs to sign this legislation at once."

Initiated in 2003, the federal "do not call" list has garnered 150 million participants. If the current legislation is not signed, participants will have to register their names all over again later this year. According to industry estimates before the previous legislation was enacted about 60 million telemarketing calls were made daily.

Greenstein is author of New Jersey's "do-not-call" law - a measure that was complimented by the federal do-not-call system.

Under the federal legislation, telemarketers would pay an annual fee of up to $17,000 and each telemarketer must cross check the do-not-call registry each month and remove individuals who sign up for the list. Telemarketers who disregard the registry could be fined up to $11,000 per call. Congressional Budget Office officials believe the registry will bring in over $107 million in fees from the telemarketing industry, allowing the program to pay for itself.

Organizations engaged in charitable, political and survey work would be exempt from the restrictions. Also, companies that have an established business relationship with a customer may call for up to 18 months after the last purchase, payment or delivery.

"This is common sense legislation," said Greenstein. "Thanks the the quick passage by the Congress and hopefully the quick action by the President, residents can eat their dinners in peace."

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