With a network of nearly 10,000 consumers across the state, regular newsletter updates are a great way for EFO to keep politically-savvy Oregonians apprised of the latest in consumer protection policy. Below is an archive of our newsletters. To be added to our list, simply enter your e-mail address in the box at the top of each page, or send us a message with your address.

Now you can look your lender in the eye Sent 7.11.2012 - Oregon's new foreclosure mediation law is now in effect. EFO offers ways to help spread the word about how to take advantage of the new protections.

Merkley takes Chase CEO to task Sent 6.21.2012 - Senator Jeff Merkley is the only committee member willing to ask Chase chief Jamie Dimon tough questions about massive trading losses. AG John Kroger will hold a hearing on mortgage rules in Salem next week and EFO is hiring for two new positions.

New bank misdeeds revealed Sent 4.4.2012 - EFO highlights recent media reports exposing BofA's double-charging of customers and practice of selling accounts to debt collectors without proper proof that a consumer actually owed the debt.

New foreclosure mediation program: Your input needed Sent 3.20.12 - EFO asks readers to share their thoughts about how Oregon's new mediation program should work. Their suggestions will be shared with stakeholders working on implementing Oregon's new foreclosure bill.

EFO Joins Merkley in supporting predatory lending protections Sent 3.13.12 - EFO takes part in an event to unveil U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley's new plan to combat predatory payday lenders.

Foreclosure reform passes in the final moments of session Sent 3.6.12 - In a dramatic reversal, House Republicans join with Democratics and advocates and agree to a package of strong foreclosure reform measures via SB 1552 just before the 2012 session ends.

House Republicans abandon foreclosure talks Sent 2.28.12 - In the final days of the 2012 session, House Republicans walk away from negotiations on foreclosure reform. Readers are once again asked to call their leaders to show their support for the passage of a bill before session ends.

Foreclosure reform hijacked by big banks Sent 2.21.12 - EFO alerts readers to a destructive, pro-bank amendment to foreclosure reform offered by a group of House Republicans. Readers are encouraged to call their elected officials and state their support for the bills - without any bank-backed amendments.

Foreclosure bills clear first hurdle Sent 2.13.12 - Senate foreclosure bills SB 1552 and SB 1564 are voted out of committee and now head to the Senate floor.

Foreclosue fixes gain traction Sent 2.8.12 - An Oregon Senate committee holds an emotionally-charged hearing on two foreclosure bills, and efforts to enact foreclosure reform continue to make headlines across the state.

Countdown to combat the foreclosure crisis begins Sent 2.1.12 - On the first day of the legislative session, EFO shares a new countdown clock showing how long legislators have to act on a package of foreclosure bills before session ends.

Legislators head to Salem Sent 1.18.12 - The Oregonian endorses a package of foreclosure bills for the upcoming legislative session, and a recap of a recent EFO-sponsored community forum on foreclosures.

Join the call to support a foreclosure fix Sent 1.4.12 - As the legislative session approaches, EFO hosts a telephone town hall with housing experts and residents to discuss foreclosures in Oregon and policy solutions to combat the foreclosure crisis.

EFO's 2011 highlights Sent 12.19.11 - From laying the foundation for foreclosure reform to being named one of the country's top non-profits, it's been a busy year for EFO.

Oregon's new and improved deal Sent 11.29.11 - Thanks to a dedicated media and public action campaign, Oregon treasurer Ted Wheeler annouces the state has entered into a new ReliaCard contract with far fewer consumer fees. In addition, EFO homeowner Tim Collette will appear on MSNBC to discuss Oregon's foreclosure crisis.

A busy week in Oregon politics Sent 11.16.11 - EFO highlights three upcoming events for Oregonians to get involved in the political and advocacy process.

Move it or lose it Sent 11.4.11 - EFO encourages consumers to make wise decisions about which financial institutions they do business with on the eve of National Bank Transfer Day.

Profiting from pain  Sent 11.1.11 - The Huffington Post's article on Oregon's anti-consumer ReliaCard contract is featured.

Share your story with The Huffington Post Sent 10.27.11 - As part of EFO's continuing media campaign to draw attentiont to the fees atatched to ReliaCards, one of the country's top news sites searches for consumers to interview for an upcoming article.

Breaking up with your bank Sent 10.26.11 - EFO unveils its new microsite, www.moveyourmoneyor.com, to help Oregonians compare financial institutions in anticipation of National Bank Transfer Day.

Protecting yourself from ID theft Sent 9.14.11 - OSPIRG Executive Director Dave Rosenfeld is EFO's latest expert, offering advice on how to steer clear of identity theft, especially with the increase in online financial transactions. Included is a poll for Oregonians to weigh in on what type of advice they'd like next in EFO's "Ask the Expert" series.

Right to repair your ride Sent 9.7.11 - EFO is working with advocates on legislation that would give vehicle owners the right to access the codes to repair their vehicles at the mechanic of their choice. This proved to be EFO's most popular newsletter to date.

The clock is ticking... Sent 8.30.11 - It's the last day to cast your vote for EFO in Consumer Reports' Excellence in Consumer Advocacy Award. Additionally, EFO has launched a new consumer complaint form where consumers can log their financial gripes. The results will be used to help develop economic policy in Oregon.

One click can help us win! Sent 8.25.11 - EFO is nominated for a national award, and Oregonians can help ensure greater consumer protection policies by casting their votes in the contest.

Banks devise predatory "protection" Sent 8.17.11 - A year after new fee rules went into effect, banks are still getting away with charging hefty penalties for minor infractions. Consumers who have experienced high bank overdraft fees are asked to share their experiences with EFO through a simple and quick online submission form.

Bend family's struggle highlights need for housing reform Sent 8.15.11 - An update on the case of Tim Collette, an Oregon homeowner EFO works with that made national headlines when Chase foreclosed on his home the same day his soldier son returned home from Iraq. Included is video footage of the day shot by EFO staffers. The Collette story highlights the need for strong foreclosure protection laws in Oregon and across the country.

How to protect yourself from scams Sent 8.2.11 - EFO's Ask the Expert video series continues with advice from Lauren Winters from the Department of Consumer and Business Affairs. Lauren explains common mortgage and debt related scams, how to avoid them and what to do if you find yourself a victim of an unscrupulous business.

Meet our first expert! Sent 7.21.11 - EFO begins its Ask the Expert video series with Simon Whang, an attorney with the Oregon Department of Justice. Simon offers valuable information for homeowners facing foreclosure, and how they can take action against unresponsive banks and mortgage servicers.

Important news affecting Oregon seniors Sent 7.15.11 - The Senior and Disabled Property Tax Deferral Program - an important homeownership retention program for seniors and disabled - suffered some big losses this year. Because of new changes to the program, all program recipients must re-apply by July 25, 2011. EFO's Angela Martin explains more details in an informative video.

Important updates Sent 7.11.11 - EFO follows up on several stories its brought to consumers over the year, including a small business struggling to find funding and the ongoing saga of Bend homeowner Tim Collette.

What we learned in Salem this session Sent 7.5.11 - A wrap-up of the legislative session and the progress (and lack thereof) made on important consumer protection issues.

Protecting consumers protects our economy Sent 6.28.11 - As legislators work through the final days of the legislative session, they have yet to pass two housing bills with widespread public and political support.

The momentum is growing Sent 6.3.11 - The call to pass comprehensive mortgage servicing during this year's legislative session is gaining more supporters. Politicians need to hear from constituents to truly understand how important action on this issue is. Included in this newsletter are numbers for state politicians to tell them you support SB 826 & 827, along with a video clip of moving testimony from a recent hearing on foreclosures.

Speak up against the housing crisis Sent 6.1.11 - Oregonians are invited to attend a hearing on SB 826, a bill that would provide accountability and oversight of the mortgage servicing industry. If residents can't make it to Salem, they can send a quick message to their legislators indicating support of the legislation by using a simple form designed by EFO.

NYT highlights Oregon's protection of job seekers Sent 5.31.11 - A groundbreaking Oregon law barring potential employers from requiring credit checks of job applicants is used as an example of what the rest of the country should adopt, according to a recent editorial in the New York Times. This newsletter also provides an update on a controversial MERS amendment proposed by the financial lobby.

Bank lobby attempts fast one Sent 5.27.11 - Financial industry lobbyists tried to slip a pro-MERS amendment into an affordable housing bill at a legislative hearing today. Luckily, advocates caught the move and were able to organize momentum against it quickly. Public input to elected leaders is still needed to ensure the amendment doesn't succeed, so a link to contact legislators in included in the newsletter.