Government Digest: May 14 - May 20

Oil spill strategy: rigorous documentation
TALLAHASSEE — State Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink urges businesses to begin documenting assets and taking other measures before oil makes its way onshore. Sink says business owners should begin rigorous documentation given the likelihood that Attorney General Bill McCollum will initiate state-sponsored litigation against BP, the “responsible party” in the Gulf oil spill. Sink's office suggests businesses take the following actions:
• Make a detailed inventory of property and contents now, before any spill impacts;
• Make a detailed list of assets and include records in support;
• Ask canceling customers if their decision is oil spill related. Track responses;
• Calculate estimated losses for a six-week period, using sales receipts to document;
• Consider historic and future trends;
• Make sure all records are safeguarded.