Politics As Usual
Shining a Light on Power and Policy
Tom Shine covers congressional politics for ABC News.
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The States Get It, Congress Doesn't
April 16, 2008 7:33 AM
A couple of weeks ago Senate Democrats and Republicans united to pass something they called the FORECLOSURE PREVENTION ACT. First of all the name is deceptive. As today's front page NEW YORK TIMES article points out, the bill is loaded with goodies for big business but has little in it that can actually help distressed homeowners prevent foreclosure.
In stark contrast to Congress, STATES like OHIO have taken real action on their own that just might help homeowners. On the front page of this morning's WASHINGTON POST there is an article by Dina ElBoghdady and Renae Merle that talks about States and cities springing into action because they know they can't count on their elected officials back in Washington.
One such state is Ohio. According to the article Ohio requires lenders who want to foreclose to FIRST attempt to work out a payment plan with homeowners. Only after that can lenders get the court documents they need to sell the homes. Ohio's treasurer, Richard Cordray told the paper, "That gives us leverage. To get what they need from our courts, THEY HAVE TO SIT DOWN AND GO THROUGH A MEDIATION PROCESS AS IN ALL OTHER CIVIL CASES. IT SLOWS DOWN THE PROCESS AND GETS EVERYONE TO THE TABLE."
Back in Washington, in the spirit of working together, Senate Democrats stripped from the FORECLOSURE PREVENTION ACT a provision that would have allowed bankruptcy judges to intervene to help struggling homeowners. That move was key in getting the support of Senate Republicans to pass the bill.
April 16, 2008 | Permalink | User Comments (14)
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why should anybody be surprised. Members of congress are owned by big money. Who believes they give a damn about the people who vote them in.
Meanwhile, too many voters are aligned on either side of the political spectrum and pay far too little attention to what's really happening. The situation will continue to get worse unless people forget their political affiliations and vote the bums out of office.
Face it -- neither party is the same as they were in the not so distant past. Both depend of big bucks to fuel the ambitions of their elected.
Posted by: Surelock Homes | Apr 16, 2008 8:56:00 AM
What a freakin surprise! Our Senate passes an act that helps big business - when was the last time you heard of a big business being foreclosed on? Good for Ohio!!! I'm so sick of our worthless government...
Posted by: Dave | Apr 16, 2008 8:57:25 AM
Being a high ranking politician is a highly profitable job and not because of the salary they make. They're mostly all crooks who put their own pockets ahead of the publics.
Posted by: Aston | Apr 16, 2008 8:59:27 AM
The federal Government helps the business side . i wonder why they help the business side and not the Homeowner side more?
Do they have it backwards, it sounds it to me.
in the Washington Post article the state has implemented two programs to help the home owner.
In Philadelphia city council has urged the Sheriff to delay auction on foreclosed homes?? What will happen during the delay it was said ? when will the delay be over that also wasnt said in the article?
because of the questions that have been left unanswered it is my opinion ,that this my have been for political reasons only.
i wonder if after April 22 the delay will then end??
759 homes. 759 families displaced. 759
worried angry and maybe a little to alot BITTER.
I also wonder out of those 759 have prayed more?? i know if I was one of the
759 i would have relied heavily upon GOD.
things are not a rosie as some POLITICIANS would like us to BELIEVE.
Posted by: Lauren | Apr 16, 2008 9:02:36 AM
People get the government they vote for.
Posted by: S | Apr 16, 2008 9:14:11 AM
Finally...this is the way it should work!
The federal government needs to stay out of it and let the state/local governments work. They know what is best in their area that will work.
When the federal government becomes involved it is a real mess..mostly taking care of their lobbyist.
On the other hand state/local will work for their own citizens!!
Posted by: chuck | Apr 16, 2008 9:14:22 AM
Chuck
The only problem with that theory is , can the local handle it?? with out hurting the very people that they in place to protect and serve?
Lets say they offer a different loan to those in trouble, Wouldn't that mean that the man down the street , his taxes would rise to cover the help? could he afford to carry the extra burden??
Posted by: Lauren | Apr 16, 2008 9:20:07 AM
chuck
I can't disagree with you but the power is in Washington. It will take a massive re-do of the American mindset to change that.
Power=money=corruption.
And just look at the $$$ involved in this presidential campaign. It's hard to see how the mess will change when candidates are beholding before they are even elected.
Posted by: Aston | Apr 16, 2008 9:20:36 AM
Right on Chuck - the federal government cannot possibly work efficiently for the average American citizen because of the self-interest involved through all of the PAC money available to members of the Congress/Senate. This is a great example of how more power should be placed on the local level where members can be held more accountable by the citizens they serve. State Gov't is far from perfect, but is more in tune with the best interest of the local citizens. SAY NO TO MORE BIG GOV'T!
Posted by: straighttalk | Apr 16, 2008 9:22:29 AM
Back in Washington, in the spirit of working together, Senate Democrats stripped from the FORECLOSURE PREVENTION ACT a provision that would have allowed bankruptcy judges to intervene to help struggling homeowners. That move was key in getting the support of Senate Republicans to pass the bill.
Dems. sometimes you have to fight for the little guy. And if that means you have to fight republicans then DO IT!!
Posted by: Lauren | Apr 16, 2008 9:23:59 AM
Go Congress
Someone doing their job and preventing the American people from being Screwed over.
The senate has to learn that when you write a bill, stop adding in all kind of garbage stuff to slid it in on getting passed.
I can't see the government bailing anyone out. I can see them freezing foreclosures and giving people a time to work things out.
Like having the lenders refinance at lower fixed interest rates. Seeing that the adjusted rate was all profit for them. That they were making money at the lower rates.
The government is not there to support you and pay your way. To many people today want every thing handed to them.
Posted by: seah | Apr 16, 2008 10:00:36 AM
Lauren
Cone on!
This isn't about Republicans and Democrats. Get on the right bus.
Posted by: Aston | Apr 16, 2008 10:58:13 AM
I believe the State Government should attempt to remedy their respective state. Sure, there will be bumps in the road to recovery,....it will be betterthan the Federal Govmt!!!!
Posted by: Don Nunham | Apr 16, 2008 11:37:10 AM
Well, since people get the government they vote for, you have the option to change all that at the upcoming elections.
Posted by: Stiri | May 2, 2008 11:30:38 AM
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