Consider This from NPR A right to repair in Minnesota and beyond
May 31, 2023
Gay Gordon-Byrne, executive director of the Repair Association, dives into a recent legislative win in Minnesota that mandates manufacturers provide parts for easier repairs. She emphasizes the fight against restrictive practices that hinder consumers from fixing their own devices. The conversation touches on ownership rights, the push for sustainability, and the shift from replacement to repair in consumer goods. Joined by Minnesota State Rep. Peter Fischer, they recount the journey to this significant victory and the ongoing challenges in the right to repair movement.
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Dishwasher Dilemma
- Wayne Seltzer, a repair enthusiast, encountered a dishwasher issue.
- He found the solution in an online service manual, highlighting the need for easier repair access.
Constituent Concerns
- Peter Fisher, a Minnesota representative, noticed constituents struggling with repairs.
- He even had to send broken laptops out-of-state for nonprofit work, taking weeks.
Industry Opposition
- Some industries see Right to Repair as a threat to their profits.
- Controlling the repair chain allows them to set prices and encourage replacements over repairs.