Jackson County Democrats

ACTION - Time is Running Out to Protect Consumers

Please take a moment right now to click here (http://www.facts-online.org/our_oregon/leg-lookup/search.html?preview=t

to find your Representative and Senator and let them know that Oregon homeowners and our economy are counting on SB 628 to start the conversations that can help end the foreclosure crisis. Vote YES!

As the Oregon legislature enters its final weeks, the clock is ticking on several key bills that will protect the wallets of Oregonians in these tough economic times.

There's very little time left for lawmakers to do the right thing for Oregon consumers, and it'll require bold steps and a commitment to leveling the playing field for everyday Oregonians.

Here's an update on key bills Our Oregon has been following--and how you can help.

Senate Bill 628: Stopping Preventable Foreclosures--Needs Your Help, Fast!

While we're facing a record number of home foreclosures--with another wave expected in the next year--struggling homeowners are reporting that one of the biggest obstacles to keeping their homes is simply getting their lender on the phone. Click here (http://www.koinlocal6.com/content/mediacenter/default.aspx?videoId=10963@koin.dayport.com&navCatId=345&articleID=10963

 to see the latest KOIN News 6 report on what borrowers face when they try to call their lenders.

SB 628 simply facilitates the conversation between borrowers and lenders, leading to fewer foreclosures. It's a common sense bill that is desperately needed. But it needs your help.

SB 628 is currently in the Senate Rules Committee, and there's very little time left for it to pass through both chambers of the legislature. Your legislators need to hear from you that this bill is too important to let die—and they need to hear from you now.

Other Bills: Getting Close

SB 731: Exempt Income Protection Act--SB 731 protects subsistence-level income from illegal garnishment, protecting vital payments like social security and unemployment from being raided by debt companies. Thanks to the hard work of the Oregon Law Center, SB 731 has passed the Senate and the House Consumer Protection Committee, and is now waiting for a floor vote in the House.

SB 515: Oregon Lemon Law--SB 515 expands and updates Oregon's lemon law, giving consumers the confidence that when they buy a car, they won't get stuck with a lemon. It has passed the Senate and the House Consumer Protection Committee, and is now waiting for a floor vote in the House.

SB 952: Protecting Renters From Foreclosure-Related Evictions--SB 952 protects renters from immediate eviction if their landlords are forced into foreclosure on the property, giving them more time to relocate. Headed to the House floor for a vote.

SB 386: Expands Protections Against Abusive Debt Collectors--SB 386 provides consumers crucial protection from abusive debt collection practices by barring collection companies from pursuing debt that they know--or have good reason to know--doesn't exist. Passed in the Senate, moved out of House Consumer Protection Committee to House Rules.

HB 2191: Regulation of Debt Management Companies--HB 2191 prohibits abusive and deceptive practices by firms marketing "debt settlement" services that end up costing consumers much more in fees and additional debt problems. Awaiting a vote in the Senate Consumer Protection Committee.