Bill Overview
Title: General Motors Bailout Act of 2022
Description: This bill allows the plaintiffs of a 2015 lawsuit against the federal government relating to the 2009 General Motors bankruptcy to collect compensation from the government. The government must make lump-sum payments in specified amounts. (The lawsuit centered on the inability of the plaintiffs to seek relief from General Motors after the bankruptcy for injuries or deaths that occurred from defective vehicles before the bankruptcy.)
Sponsors: Rep. Carter, Troy [D-LA-2]
Target Audience
Population: Plaintiffs impacted by defective pre-2009 GM vehicles
Estimated Size: 4500
- The plaintiffs of the 2015 lawsuit against the federal government relating to the 2009 General Motors bankruptcy are directly impacted as they are entitled to collect compensation.
- These plaintiffs were individuals or families who suffered injuries or deaths from defective General Motors vehicles, and such incidents must have occurred before the 2009 bankruptcy.
- The total number of claims initially involved in the lawsuit gives an idea of the number of people directly impacted.
- General Motors was a major manufacturer with millions of cars sold, implying a potentially large pool of affected individuals.
Reasoning
- The plaintiffs of the 2015 lawsuit surrounding the 2009 GM bankruptcy are a specific segment of the population that directly benefits from this policy as it allows for compensation claims related to injuries or deaths from defective GM vehicles prior to the bankruptcy.
- A significant factor is the limitation of the budget ($500,000,000/year and $500,000,000 over 10 years), which impacts the total number of people who can receive compensation or the amount they receive.
- By assuming the plaintiff numbers (around 4500 estimated Americans), each could theoretically receive $111,111 if evenly distributed immediately, but practical distribution will likely vary based on case details and award calculations.
Simulated Interviews
Auto Mechanic (Detroit, Michigan)
Age: 58 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The compensation helps bring some closure, although it's long overdue.
- I wish the policy could cover more expenses related to the accident.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 2 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 2 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 2 |
Teacher (Phoenix, Arizona)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I appreciate the government finally taking responsibility, but it doesn't erase the trauma.
- The funds will help with ongoing medical expenses.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 2 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 2 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 1 |
Retired (Buffalo, New York)
Age: 67 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 2
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's a relief to finally see some action after all these years.
- The funds might support some retirement needs but can't replace my loss.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 3 | 2 |
| Year 2 | 3 | 1 |
| Year 3 | 4 | 1 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 1 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 1 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 1 |
Logistics Coordinator (Dallas, Texas)
Age: 35 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 12.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While it's good to finally have a resolution, it just feels like too little too late.
- The money may help handle family debts left from medical bills.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 4 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 2 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 2 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 2 |
Software Developer (Atlanta, Georgia)
Age: 29 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm glad those affected are receiving some justice, but this doesn't impact my life directly.
- It's an important step for companies to uphold safety standards.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Nurse (Cleveland, Ohio)
Age: 54 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Happy for those who needed this policy, but I never faced a crisis, just concern.
- Compensation is vital for those directly affected.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Lawyer (Los Angeles, California)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Any policy that makes corporate accountability a priority is welcome.
- My wellbeing isn't affected, but professionally I see the change positively.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Accountant (Chicago, Illinois)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I understand the importance of this, though it doesn't affect me.
- Happy to see clients and friends who suffered get some help finally.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Retired Engineer (Salt Lake City, Utah)
Age: 71 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I've always maintained my vehicles well, never had a deep impact from these issues.
- I'm glad to see others receiving compensation though.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Freelance Writer (Seattle, Washington)
Age: 62 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It’s a bittersweet win, more symbolic than practical for fully healing.
- This provides some sense of closure.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 4 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 4 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 2 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 2 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $500000000 (Low: $250000000, High: $750000000)
Year 2: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 3: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 5: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- Determining the final compensation amount could depend on actual court settlements and varying levels of evidenced injury/damage claims.
- Forecasted base and range values reflect uncertainties regarding full plaintiff identification and claim validity under judicial review.
- Broader fiscal implications could arise if additional similar claims are presented by other affected individuals or parties.
- Potential setting of legal precedents might impact similar government-involved bankruptcy cases moving forward.