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"Bend Man Continues to Fight for Home" - 10.11.2011 - KBND. Read online here.
"Governor signs foreclosure reform bill" - 4.12.12 - KATU. Watch online here.
"Kitzhaber puts John Hancock to 22 measures" - 4.12.12 - The Portland Business Journal. Read online here.
"Gov. John Kitzhaber signs foreclosure mediation bill." - 4.11.12 - The Oregonian. Read online here.
"Foreclosure Mediation Seen as a Help to Consumers" - 4.3.12 - Business Insider. Read online here.
"Oregon's New Foreclosure Law" - 3.30.12 - OPB's Think Out Loud. Listen online here.
“State faces challenges in creating system to help people facing foreclosure” – 3.18.12 – The Statesman Journal. Read online here.
“Foreclosures Flailing” - Eugene Weekly – 3.15.12. Read online here.
“House Democrats’ plan for session succeeded” - The Statesman Journal - 3.13.12. Read online here.
“Straight Talk: 2012 Salem Legislature Session Ends” – KGW – 3.10.12. Watch online here.
“Lane County Homeowners Struggle with Foreclosure” – KLCC - 3.8.12. Listen online here.
“New Legislation Helps Oregon Homeowners” – KEZI – 3.7.12. Watch online here.
“Large results in so little time” - The Oregonian - 3.7.12. Read online here.
“Legislature ends with new foreclosure rules” – KGW - 3.6.12. Watch online here.
“Session wrap-up” - KATU – 3.6.12. Watch online here.
“Foreclosure Bill to Help Oregonians” - KEZI – 3.6.12. Watch online here.
“Oregon lawmakers approve budget, foreclosure measures” - The Washington Post – 3.6.12. Read online here.
“Oregon Lawmakers Agree On Foreclosure Bill” – OPB – 3.6.12. Listen online here.
“Oregon House passes foreclosure protection bill addressing mediation, dual track” - The Oregonian – 3.5.12. Read online here.
“Foreclosure Reform Passes” - Blue Oregon - 3.5.12 – Read online here.
“Legislature Passes Foreclosure Reform” Portland Business Journal - 3.6.12. Read online here.
“Foreclosure-assistance bill sent to governor” - Statesman-Journal – 3.6.12. Read online here.
“Foreclosure bills move forward” – Statesman-Journal – 3.5.12 – Read online here.
“Will lawmakers finish today?” - The Oregonian – 3.4.12. Read online here.
“Oregon Gov. Kitzhaber pays attention to the economy” - Statesman-Journal - 3.3.12. Read online here.
“Another tense day at the Oregon Legislature” - The Oregonian – 3.2.12. Read online here.
“Foreclosure legislation could help homeowners” - Bend Bulletin – 3.2.12. Read online here.
“Frustration on the floor” - Register-Guard – 3.2.12. Read online here.
"Another federal ruling against MERS” - The Oregonian, 3.1.12. Read online here.
“Foreclosure protection bill stalls in Salem” - KGW – 2.29.12. Read online here.
“The GOP’s Bogus Foreclosure
Negotiations” – The Source Weekly - 2.29.12.
Read online here.
“How could they quit on Oregon homeowners?” - The Oregonian - 2.29.12. Read online here.
“Rescue foreclosure bills” - The Register-Guard
- 2.29.12. Read online here.
“Pass foreclosure bills” - Bend Bulletin
– 2.28.12
“Oregon House Republicans could give a rip if you get screwed by big banks” - Blue Oregon – 2.28.12. Read online here.
“Foreclosure bills stall as GOP opposes mediation mandate” - Register-Guard 2.28.12. Read online here.
“Foreclosure talks break down in Ore. Legislature” - KATU – 2.28.12. Read
online here.
“Oregon Lawmakers Trade Accusations Over Foreclosure Bills” - NPR – 2.27.12.
Read online here.
“With negotiations on key bills continuing, it looks like the Oregon
Legislature may continue past its Wednesday deadline” - The Oregonian – 2.27.12. Read here.
“Help for Oregon Homeowners” - OPB – 2.27.12. Read online here.
“Homeowner-aid bills are in peril” – 2.27.12. Statesman-Journal. Read online here.
“Oregon’s credit unions outspend its banks in contributions to legislators” - The
Oregonian – 2.25.12. Read online here.
“Winners and losers from the Oregon Legislature” - Statesman-Journal – 2.24.12. Read online here.
“Amendments could
derail foreclosure bills” – Statesman-Journal – 2.22.12. Read online here.
“When it comes to foreclosure reform, the legislator fro Sunriver is clueless
and out of touch” - Blue Oregon – 2.22.12. Read online here.
“Dying for help on the House” - The Oregonian - 2.21.12. Read online here.
“Banking lobby fights legislation that would protect homeowners” - Medford Mail Tribune – 2.18.12. Read online here.
“Why not help people keep their homes?”- The Oregonian - 2.18.12. Read online here.
“This week’s
winners, losers in the news” - Statesman-Journal
- 2.16.12. Read online here.
“Senate passes two consumer-friendly foreclosure bills” - Statesman-Journal – 2.16.12. Read online here.
“Senate approves 2 foreclosures bills protecting homeowners”
– Statesman-Journal – 2.16.12. Read
online here.
“Oregon Senate OKs expanded protections for homeowners in foreclosure” - The Oregonian – 2.16.12. Read online here.
“Gene Whisnant Rolls
With the Banks” - The Source Weekly -
2.15.12. Read online here.
“Foreclosure crisis: The case for common sense” - Medford Mail Tribune – 2.14.12. Read online here.
“Foreclosure
Agreement Will Bring Some Relief To Oregon Homeowners” - OPB – 2.9.12. Read
online here.
“Senate Bills Target Foreclosures” - KOBI – 2.9.12. Watch online here.
“Legislative Session Notebook: Foreclosure bills in House fail to get a hearing”
- Statesman-Journal – 2.7.12. Read
online here.
“Foreclosures: Salem works to ease housing troubles” - Bend Bulletin – 2.7.12. Read online here.
“2 Senate bills would regulate foreclosures” - Register-Guard – 2.7.12. Read online here.
“Bills may prevent some foreclosures” - Statesman-Journal
– 2.7.12. Read online here.
“Foreclosure Bills
Die in House” - KBND – 2.7.12. Read online here.
“Lawmakers consider bills to help homeowners avoid foreclosure” - KATU – 2.6.12. Read online AP here.
“Address the mortgage issue” - Medford Mail Tribune - 2.4.12 (re-publish of Register-Guard editorial). Read online here.
“Legislature must enact foreclosure protections” - Statesman-Journal – 2.2.12. Read online here.
“Oregon Attorney General John Kroger says he'll sign on to multistate foreclosure settlement with largest loan servicers” - The Oregonian – 2.1.12. Read online here.
“Foreclosure deal may net troubled Ore. homeowners $1,800” – Portland Business Journal - 2.1.12. Read online here.
“Head off foreclosures” – The Register-Guard - 1.30.12. Read online here.
“Lawmakers propose jobs plans” - Statesman-Journal – 1.29.12.
“Oregon Attorney General John Kroger issues emergency rules to protect distressed homeowners from wrongful foreclosures” - The Oregonian – 1.27.12. Read online here.
“Focus on foreclosures” - Medford Mail Tribune - 1.21.12 (re-publish of Oregonian editorial). Read online here.
“Legislation would end foreclosure crisis” - Portland Business Journal - 1.20.12. Read online here.
“Legislature must deal with foreclosures” – Statesman-Journal -1.20.12.
“Oregon Democratic lawmakers release their plan to help struggling families, small businesses” - The Oregonian – 1.19.12. Read online here.
“It’s not too late for homeowners” – The Oregonian - 1.16.12. Read online here.
"Free Homeownership Retention Program Helps Seniors Stay in Homes" - The Skanner - 12.8.11. Read online here.
“Making every dollar count” - The Register-Guard, 12.1.11 Read online here.
“Some ReliaCard fees to end” – Statesman-Journal – 11.30.11. Read online here.
“Controversial fees for unemployment-benefit cards to end” - Bend Bulletin (front page) – 11.29.11. Read online here.
“Down to the last dollar” - The Oregonian – 11.29.11. Read online here.
“Oregon, U.S. Bank Agree to Eliminate Some Bank Fees for the Unemployed” - The Huffinton Post – 11.29.11. Read online here.
“Banks People Using ReliaCards” - KBND – 11.29.11. Read online here.
“Oregon Treasurer, U.S. Bank agree to reduce fees on ReliaCard debit card for unemployment and child-support benefits” - The Oregonian – 11.29.11. Read online here.
“No More Fees for Oregon ‘ReliaCard’ Users” - KTVZ – 11.29.11. Read online here.
“Treasurer Wheeler secures improved ReliaCard contract” - Portland Business Journal - 11.29.11. Read online here.
“ReliaCard contract renegotiated” - The Lincoln City News Guard - 11.29.11. Read online here.
“Legislature will revisit bills about foreclosure” – Statesman-Journal - 11.26.12. Read online here.
“N17 action against Portland banks may start a new chapter for Occupy Portland” - Oregonian – 11.17.11. Read online here.
“U.S. Bank’s Contract With the State Upsets Protesters” - KEZI -11.17.11. Read online here.
“Oregon Treasurer Promises Hard Negotiations on Bank Fees” - OPB – 11.2.11. Read online here.
“Oregon Treasury spokesman in fuss over bank fees charged to recipients of jobless benefits and child support” - The Oregonian - 11.2.11. Read online here.
“Revealed: How banks extract fees on unemployed benefits” - U.K. Daily Mail – 11.1.11. Read online here.
“Banks Extract Fees On Unemployment Benefits” - The Huffington Post – 11.1.11 – Read online here.
Bend Man Continues to Fight for Home
KBND – October 11, 2011
Tim Collette’s story draws ongoing attention from his hometown media outlets, including this story from the city’s top talk radio station.
Bend Man Far From Alone in Foreclosure Struggle
Joe Burns, KTVZ – October 10, 2011
Reporter Joe Burns continues his coverage of Tim Collette’s foreclosure saga, this time connecting Collette’s lawsuit against Chase bank to the anger of Americans across the country attending the Occupy Wall Street protests.
In face of foreclosure, Bend man firing back
Lauren Dake, The Bend Bulletin - October 8, 2011
Tim Collette's hometown paper covers his recently-filed lawsuit against Chase bank for unlawful foreclosure.
Bend Man Sues Bank Over Home’s Foreclosure
Barney Lerten, KTVZ – October 6, 2011
Bend’s NBC affiliate announces Tim Collette’s lawsuit against Chase bank for illegally foreclosing on his home. The article includes an interview with EFO’s Angela Martin.
Foreclosed Bend Homeowner Sues Chase
Matt Kish, The Portland Business Journal – October 6, 2011
Details of the lawsuit filed on behalf of Tim Collette, an Oregon homeowner who has made national headlines for his battle with Chase bank to save his home.
Debt Collectors Lobby to Block Tougher Rules
Carter Dougherty, Bloomberg News - September 20, 2011
An overview of proposed state regulations across the country that would require debt collectors to meet higher standards when pursuing consumer debt. Angela Martin describes recent efforts in Oregon to pass such legislation.
Beware of unscrupulous high-interest payday loan companies
Angela Martin, The Statesman Journal – September 20, 2011
EFO’s Angela Martin pens a response to a recent opinion piece by the Cascade Policy Institute calling for a repeal of payday lending reform. Martin presents evidence that discredits CPI’s assertions, while outlining the many benefits of this strong consumer protection legislation.
New Democratic leader wants focus on foreclosures
The Associated Press via The Statesman Journal – September 20, 2011
Incoming House leader Tina Kotek sets out her assessment of the issues most important to constituents, with foreclosure-related legislation topping the list. The components Kotek outlines echo the bills EFO fought for last session.
Blacks Fall Behind in Homebuying
Steve Law, Portland Tribune – August 18, 2011
EFO’s Angela Martin comments on the disproportionate effect the housing crisis has had on minority communities.
Bittersweet Homecoming: Bend’s famous foreclosure fight
The Source Weekly – August 17, 2011
A recap of what Bend resident Tim Collette has gone through over the past few months and his story’s rise to national prominence.
Chase Bank Welcomes Home U.S. Soldier by Auctioning Off His Dad's Home
Jess Kutch, Alternet – August 12, 2011
Despite the support of more than 120,000 online supporters, Tim Collette is still foreclosed on by Chase Bank, the same day his son returns home on leave from fighting the war in Iraq. Also posted here on change.org
Losing a home and marking a homecoming
Kim Murphy, The Los Angeles Times – August 11, 2011
This story uses Tim Collette’s experience to illustrate the nationwide foreclosure crisis and the role major banks play in it. This article was picked up by several media outlets across the country.
JPMorgan Chase Repurchases Soldier's Home Same Day He Returns From Iraq
Harry Bradford, The Huffington Post – August 11, 2011
Despite widespread public pressure to work with the family, Chase bank forecloses on Tim Collette as he prepares to welcome home his son from war the same day.
Soldier’s Family Can Remain in Home for a While
KBND – August 11, 2011
After losing his home to foreclosure, Bend father Tim Collette is hoping he’ll be able to stay in the house long enough for his soldier son to finish out his leave from Iraq.
Soldier returns; dad’s house in foreclosure
Jeff Barnard, AP story in The Register-Guard – August 11, 2011
This AP story on Tim and Aaron Collette was published by several local and national media outlets.
U.S. soldier returns home from the war, to foreclosure
Michael Babad, The Globe and Mail (Canada) – August 10,2011
Tim Collette’s foreclosure by Chase Bank draws international attention.
Bend soldier finds home in foreclosure upon return from Iraq
KOIN, August 10, 2011
Aaron Collette comes home from Iraq to his father being foreclosed upon by Chase Bank.
Returning Bend soldier finds home in foreclosure
KPTV, August 10, 2011
Coverage of Tim Collette’s foreclosure the same day his soldier son returns home from Iraq on leave.
Oregon Soldier's Dad Fights to Stop Foreclosure
Mackenzie Wilson, KDRV - August 10, 2011
Continuing coverage of Tim and Aaron Collette’s story. Rebroadcast here: KEZI
Live interview with Tim Collette
The Rick Smith Show – August 10, 2011
Philadelphia-area radio host Rick Smith interviews Tim Collette and underscores the need for politicians to pay attention to the housing crisis. Smith also shared Tim’s story the night before on the air.
Ore. soldier finds father's home in foreclosure
The Oregonian, August 10, 2011
More coverage of Tim Collette’s story.
Chase Bank Sells Off Soldier’s Home On The Very Same Day He Returns From Iraq
Zaid Jilani, Think Progress – August 10, 2011
The progressive website does a follow-up story on Tim Collette the day after his home his sold by Chase.
Son Returns From Iraq As Bank Auctions Off His Father's House
David Nogueras, OPB – August 9, 2011
Bend resident Tim Collette’s home is sold at the Deschutes County Courthouse by Chase Bank just hours before his son returns home on leave from Iraq.
Bend Soldier Back Home Amid Foreclosure Furor
Joe Burns, KTVZ - August 9, 2011
This story follows Tim Collette’s journey from his home being sold to greeting his son at the airport, all in the same day.
JPMorgan Chase’s Dimon shares upbeat message
Gordon Oliver, The Columbian – August 8, 2011
This article focuses on Chase CEO’s visit to the NW, and the hypocrisy of him speaking about his regret for the bank’s foreclosures on military families with no mention of Tim Collette, the biggest foreclosure story in the country.
Chase CEO Jamie Dimon rallies Portland employees
Matt Kish, Portland Business Journal - August 8, 2011
The head of the bank foreclosing on an Oregon man fails to mention his case during a publicity tour to the Northwest.
Chase Bank Under Fire Over Plans to Foreclose on Home of U.S. Soldier’s Family
The Niche Report – August 8, 2011
Chase Bank plans to foreclose on soldier’s father house despite more than 120,000 people signing a change.org petition sponsored by Economic Fairness Oregon to support the family.
Lisa Loving, KBOO.com – July 20, 2011
EFO’s Saadia McConville discusses issues of consumer protection and economic justice during this hour long talk radio show.
Many Americans Supporting Soldier in Keeping His Home
KBND.com – July 19, 2011
A homeowner from Bend, Oregon gains national recognition and gives a voice to families who are facing foreclosure after being forced to jump through hoops by their mortgage providers.
Bend Foreclosure Flap Focuses on Fairness
Mackenzie Wilson, KTVZ – July 19, 2011
Due to overwhelming public support for the story, KTVZ airs a follow-up to its story on Tim Collette from the day before. Once again, the story leads the evening news.
Debate rages over bank’s planned foreclosure of U.S. soldier Aaron Collette’s home
Elizabeth Flock, The Washington Post – July 18, 2011
The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act protects the homes of military members whose names are on the mortgage, but not those who live with their parents. One man’s case illustrates the growing problem.
Bend Dad Fights to Save Soldier Son's Homecoming
Joe Burns, KTVZ – July 18, 2011
KTVZ leads its evening news with the story of a local man facing foreclosure. National media coverage and an online petition hosted by change.org reaches over 100,000 signatures and supports Tim Collette and millions of other families facing unfair foreclosures.
Kate Berry, American Banker – July 14, 2011
Banking industry paper highlights the widespread public support for Oregon homeowner Tim Collette.
Matt Kish, Portland Business Journal – July 8, 2011
Even though the legislative session just ended, consumer advocates are already planning ahead for policy to protect homeowners in the 2012 session.
KBOO – July 8, 2011
EFO Executive Director Angela Martin discusses potential legislation to deal with MERS at the state level.
Foreclosure relief bills cling to life
Matt Kish, Portland Business Journal – June 27, 2011
In the final days of the legislative session, there is still political support to pass SB 827, a bill that would protect Oregon homeowners in foreclosure.
Single Point Of Contact: Why Won't Banks Pay More Attention To Homeowners?
Zach Carter, The Huffington Post - June 23, 2011
Carter follows up on his original story about Tim Collette. This article focuses on the lack of organization within major financial institutions and how homeowners are paying the price.
KBOO – June 21, 2011
EFO Executive Director Angela Martin discusses the legislative hurdles facing SB 826 & 827, two bills that would protect Oregon homeowners facing foreclosure.
Oregon Republican blasts finance industry for blocking foreclosure protections
Brent Hunsberger, The Oregonian – June 20, 2011
Oregon Republican Senator, Brian Boquist urges his senate colleagues to support SB 826 and SB827. Democratic lawmakers and consumer advocates agree that if the bills are not passed, financially troubled homeowners would fall even further behind.
Senate rejects delay on swipe fee caps
Matt Kish, Portland Business Journal – June 17, 2011
Congress refuses the financial lobby’s push to delay swipe fee reform that would protect small businesses, highlighting the fight for fee changes at the state level.
Fox News – June 11, 2011
Homeowner Tim Collette appears live on national morning news show to discuss how his experience is similar to homeowners across the country.
Bend soldier serving in Iraq in dire need of closure, not foreclosure
Steve Duin, The Oregonian – June 11, 2011
Steve Duin expands on the growing foreclosure crisis in Oregon and showcases the tragic story of Aaron, a soldier returning to Oregon on leave from Iraq who may not have a home to come back to.
Foreclosed From Iraq: Father Seeks to Preserve Home As Son Fights Abroad
Zach Carter, Huffington Post – June 10, 2011
Tim Collette’s story illuminates the lengths to which JPMorgan Chase and almost all companies who implement foreclosures and manage mortgage payments will go to in order to keep the foreclosure machine working.
Homeless homecoming: Bank refuses to delay foreclosure on home of soldier returning from Iraq
Daniel Bates, U.K. Daily Mail – June 10, 2011
The story of Tim Collette, an Oregon man who is facing foreclosure on his home as his son is preparing for a visit from Iraq. JPMorgan Chase has apologized to him and the other military families who have been faced with similar situations, but has yet to remedy the flaws in the bank’s foreclosure process.
Allies are few in foreclosures
Lauren Dake, Bend Bulletin – June 10, 2011
The story of local Bend homeowner Tim Collette is used to highlight the need for statewide mortgage servicing reform.
Oregon Dad Facing Foreclosure as Senator Tries to Help in Time for Soldier’s Homecoming
Susanna Kim, ABC News - June 10, 2011
U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley champions the case of Bend homeowner Tim Collette, who is facing foreclosure just days before his soldier son returns home on leave.
Bend foreclosure story goes national
Matt Kish, Portland Business Journal - June 10, 2011
Tim Collette receives national media attention as a result of a website documenting his story created by Economic Fairness Oregon.
Without A Home: Chase Bank Will Foreclose On Returning Soldier’s Home In 10 Days
Zaid Jilani, Think Progress – June 9, 2011
Focuses on the story of Bend homeowner Tim Collette and the need for more negotiating power in the hands of homeowners so that they can receive necessary mortgage modifications from banks.
Buckley, Richardson block lenders' push for foreclosure shortcut
Damian Mann, Medford Mail Tribune – June 4, 2011
Thanks to overwhelming citizen involvement, an amendment which would end public recoding requirements was rejected, giving hope to homeowners fighting against foreclosure.
Congress, attorneys general push for mortgage industry reforms
Charles Pope, The Oregonian – June 4, 2011
President of the Mortgage Bankers Associations claims that financial industries are working hard to fix their mistakes, but senators from Oregon and Maine have sponsored legislation which would take their efforts even further.
Matthew Kish, Portland Business Journal – June 3, 2011
The Mortgage Payment Assistance program which is meant to help struggling homeowners is brought to a halt after five of the 100 banks refused to work with the state.
Oregon legislation could benefit home owners facing foreclosure
Nick Bjork, Daily Journal of Commerce – June 3, 2011
A look at the importance of SB 826 & SB 827, two bills that would benefit Oregon homeowners facing foreclosure. Features an interview with EFO’s Angela Martin.
Oregon amendment to resolve MERS issues dies in committee
Kerri Panchuk, Housing Wire – June 2, 2011
An amendment which would have allowed foreclosure assessments to go unrecorded, negatively impacting Oregon recording laws was rejected and denies parties like MERS flexibility around mortgage assignment rules.
Fight over mortgage banking and foreclosure practices far from over in Oregon Legislature
Brent Hunsberger, The Oregonian – June 2, 2011
Lobbying efforts to pass a bill which would eliminate a recording law to block foreclosures was lost, and in further response, Senate Bill 826 would allow close regulation by the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business practices over mortgage bankers.
The Oregonian Editorial Board – June 1, 2011
The paper's editorial board stresses the need for mortgage servicing reform, and calls on lawmakers to take action in the last weeks of the legislative session.
MERS foreclosure amendment dies in Oregon House committee
Brent Hunsberger, The Oregonian – June 1, 2011
Senate Bill 519 passes without a bank-backed amendment that would have codified the controversial MERS process.
MERS foreclosure fix postponed but effort appears in jeopardy, legislator says
Brent Hunsberger, The Oregonian – May 31, 2011
A hearing on Senate Bill 519 was postponed as financial industries try to pass an amendment with little support that would end recording requirements in the foreclosure process.
Editorial, The New York Times – May 29, 2011
This editorial was written with input from EFO’s Angela Martin. It brings to light the unfair practice of employers running credit checks on potential employees, and Oregon’s successful attempt to pass legislation to curb it.
Poll: Should Oregon lawmakers give foreclosures, MERS a do-over?
Brent Hunsberger, The Oregonian – May 27, 2011
A poll questioning the readers thoughts on the financial industries suggestion that legislature amend an affordable housing bill which would allow banks to self-asses its own authority to foreclose and eliminate judges power to void improper foreclosures.
Oregon Judge Denies Foreclosure, Challenges MERS
Nick Timiraos, Wall Street Journal – May 26, 2011
An Oregon anti-MERS ruling makes national headlines and could have ramifications for nationwide MERS decisions.
Judge blocks Oregon foreclosure, sharply criticizes mortgage industry's practices and MERS
Brent Hunsburger, The Oregonian – May 26, 2011
Examining a landmark court decision involving the Mortgage Electronic Registration System and problems many Oregonians are facing as their homes are being foreclosed devoid of court supervision.
Drawing Benefits Via a Debit Card? There's a Fee for That
Jessica Silver-Greenberg, Wall Street Journal – May 14, 2011
The Oregon campaign to hold U.S. Bank accountable gets prominent coverage. Oregon State Treasurer’s office goes on record supporting efforts to lower fees during upcoming U.S. Bank negotiations.
U.S. Bank Gets a Thumbs Down for Charging Unemployed Oregonians Excessive Fees
Angela Martin, Blue Oregon – May 11, 2011
Thanks to a poorly negotiated contract, Oregonians in tough financial straits are being slapped with costly charges to access their own money.
Is the Small Business Credit Crunch Really Over?
Mark Henricks, CBS Money Watch – May 9, 2011
Small businesses are having an increasingly hard time finding capital. A new report released by an Oregon non-profit charts the lending crunch.
Matthew Kish and Andy Giegerich, Portland Business Journal – May 6, 2011
Although banks have more in their coffers, Oregon small business owners say that lending has dried up in recent years, making it nearly impossible to succeed in this economy.
Nonprofit Reveals Downturn in Small Business Lending
Ruth McCambridge Nonprofit Quarterly – May 4, 2011
Research by Economic Fairness Oregon brings to the light the reality that most small business owners are already all too familiar with.
Economic Fairness: Lending plummets
Matt Kish, Portland Business Journal – May 2, 2011
Economic Fairness Oregon releases the last installment of a series that looks at the effects of the Wall Street meltdown on Oregonians. The final section focuses on Oregon’s small businesses and how they have been negatively impacted by a lack of lending. Republished on several sites including here, here and here.
KBOO – April 22, 2011
EFO Executive Director Angela Martin discusses the banking report.
Economic Fairness Oregon takes on Wall Street
Matt Kish, Portland Business Journal – April 20, 2011
Economic Fairness Oregon releases the first installment of a banking report that highlights the impact of the Wall Street meltdown and how our nation’s largest financial corporations have cost Oregonians millions. Republished on several sites including here and here.
Bank Fees on Benefits Hurt Oregonians, Report Finds
Tracy Loew , Statesman Journal - April 20, 2011
The state’s ReliaCard contract comes under fire for heavy fees pushed on consumers.
Angela Martin, Blue Oregon – April 11, 2011
EFO’s Angela Martin explains new legislation that would cap post-judgment interest rates at a reasonable limit. Under current law, debt-collectors are able to slap on huge fees in court that only serve to keep consumers under the thumb of debt longer.
Sarah Mirk, Portland Mercury – April 7, 2011
A user’s guide to making better financial choices, including banking advice from EFO’s Angela Martin.
A Lifeline to the American Dream
Tim Collete, Blue Oregon – March 27, 2011
Tim, a hardworking homeowner from Bend, Oregon describes his unfair foreclosure story and urges the support of SB 826 & SB 827.
Borrowers hang on with help from state
Steve Law, Portland Tribune – March 24, 2011
The pressure increases as families in need wait for aid from The Oregon Homeownership Stabilizations Initiative.
Oregon Shutters McGavic & Finney PC
Matt Kish, Portland Business Journal – March 17, 2011
EFO’s Angela Martin comments on the closure of a debt-collection firm that was reportedly breaking the law.
Oregon Looks To Crack Down On Refund Anticipation Loans
Kristian Foden-Vencil, OPB News - March 16, 2011
Economic Fairness Oregon’s Angela Martin lobbies for a new bill that would put a halt to add-on fees that have cost Oregon taxpayers millions.
Waiting For A Tax Refund? Don't Get Screwed
Nigel Jaquiss, Willamette Week – March 12, 2011
Senate Bill 778 attempts to provide taxpayers with full disclosure about the fees that are charged when they use Refund Anticipation Checks.
Stamp out predatory high-cost loans
Angela Martin, Portland Business Journal – March 11, 2011
In this op-ed, EFO’s Angela Martin outlines the case for legislative action against quickie tax day loans that cost consumers while offering little to no benefit.
Matt Kish, Portland Business Journal – February 25, 2011
The last of a three-part series featuring EFO and our legislative agenda focuses on debt collectors pushing consumers into court to collect on questionable bills with often-flimsy evidence.
Diane Dietz, The Register Guard – February 20, 2011
Tax refund anticipation loans claim to get money to taxpayers faster, but use high interest rates that end up costing customers far too much.
Matt Kish, Portland Busines Journal – February 18, 2011
New federal changes have cracked down on costly tax day loans, but advocates at the state level are working on legislation to ensure consumers are protected from all angles.
Comcast Oregon late-fee consumer class action settled for $23 million
Classactionattorney.ws – February 3, 2011
Class Action Suit Alleges Comcast Charged Illegal Late Fees
David Nogueras, OPB News - February 3, 2011
Roughly 500,000 Oregon Comcast customers can receive compensation after Comcast settled a $23 million class-action suit due to seven years of unlawful late fee charges.
Ilene Aleshire, The Register-Guard - February 3, 2011.
Also available here on Oregon Business.
Associated Press – February 3, 2011. Republished on several sites.
Comcast joins Time Warner Cable over streaming content: Roundup
Christopher Wink, Technically Philly – February 3, 2011
Comcast Oregon late-fee consumer class action settled for $23 million
Class Action – February 3, 2011
Details of the Comcast settlement are chronicled in this law industry site.
Comcast to Repay Customers $23 Million in Late Fees
Lawyersandsettlements.com – February 2, 2011
Comcast settles Oregon late fee class-action suit for $23 million
Mike Rogoway, The Oregonian – February 2, 2011
Comcast failed to meet disclosure requirements with its customers and is now facing a $23 million dollar class-action lawsuit.
Comcast's $23 Million Settlement in Oregon
Jessica Lutjameyer, Willamette Week – February 2, 2011
500,000 Oregonians receive compensation from Comcast after a class-action lawsuit.
Comcast to pay $23M in late fee suit
Suzanne Stevens, Portland Business Journal – February 2, 2011
Late fees which failed to comply with Oregon law costs Comcast $23 million and puts money back in the pockets of Oregon consumers.
Millions in Comcast Settlement Will Be Distributed to Customers
Megan Taylor, KEZI.com – February 2, 2011
After seven years of violating disclosure laws, Comcast settles a $23 million class-action suit and compensates its customers. Also rebroadcast here on KDRV
Comcast must repay $23 million in improper late fees
David Krough, KGW.com - February 2, 2011
Comcast customers who were charged a $6 late fee between July 2003 and November 2010 are now able to claim a $16 dollar reimbursement for each charge after Comcast settled a $23 million class-action suit.
Merkley Unveils Plan to Address Housing Crisis
KPTV – January 20, 2011
KPTV reports on Senator Jeff Merkley’s six-point strategy to prevent further damages due to foreclosures on Oregon communities.
Merkley Unveils Plan to Boost the Housing Market and Stem the Tide of Foreclosures
Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley – January 18, 2011
Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley discusses how the nation’s economic crisis will not be solved until the housing crisis is repaired and unveils his plan to boost the housing market with a six-point plan.
Merkley unveils his new housing market plan
KATU Communities Staff – January 18, 2011
Senator Jeff Merkley’s new six-point plan to improve the housing market plans to “put homeowners first and foreclosures last”.
Obama’s Homeowner Plan a “Colossoal Disappointment,” Merkley says.
Eric Flowers, The Source Weekly – January 18, 2011
Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley highlights the ineffectiveness of Obama’s Making Home Affordable project and elaborates on his plan which would establish a single point of contact for homeowners.
Merkley Unveils Foreclosure Plan in Bend
KTVZ – January 18, 2011
Merkley and EFO homeowners hold a press event to unveil the Senator’s new plan to tackle the foreclosure crisis.
Merkley proposes mortgage change
Keith Chu, Bend Bulletin – January 18, 2011
Senator Jeff Merkley unveils his new housing plan with some help from EFO homeowners facing foreclosure.
Oregon Mortgage Aid Program Ends Mid-January
KGW – January 4, 2011
Coverage of the state’s Hardest Hit program. EFO provided workshops at the Multnomah County application site.
Hardest Hit Officially Kicks Off Friday
Tom Cusack, Portland Housing Blog – December 9, 2010
Preview of EFO-sponsored press conference to unveil Hardest Hit site in Portland.
Latest Foreclosure Crisis is the Modifications
Jessica Silver-Greenberg, Wall Street Journal – November 6, 2010
The Home Affordable Modification Program proves to be less than ideal. Poor documentation and lost paperwork lead to the denial of fixed loan modifications for numerous deserving borrowers.
Clackamas Dems Live
October 19, 2010
EFO Executive Director Angela Martin is given a half hour segment on local cable news show to discuss EFO’s mission and policy agenda.
Homeowners Offered New Tool in Battling Fraudulent Banks
Angela Martin, Blue Oregon - October 19, 2010
EFO’s Angela Martin highlights a new resource for all homeowners to make sure their banks are acting within the law