For all of you who can not attend the Historic Rally in Tally, and still want to be part of the event, below is a press release that can be sent by email, fax, or phone to all of the media outlets in Florida.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HOMEOWNERS TO RALLY AT THE CAPITOL THIS WEEK
TALLAHASSEE – Almost overnight homeowners from around Florida have organized and are set to voice their concerns directly with lawmakers this coming week in Tallahassee.
It began with a group of Florida consumer attorneys looking to meet with legislators to persuade them into rejecting a proposed and profoundly bad anti-consumer law threatening to put the entire foreclosure process in the hands of mortgage companies without any involvement by the courts. Homeowners and consumer advocates learned about the effort and have organized to oppose any new laws that threaten Florida consumers.
Lawmakers immediately began receiving calls from consumers around Florida voicing their opposition to the pending legislation, known as House Bill 1523 and Senate Bill 2270. The opposition was completely effective as legislators responded by listening and siding with consumers. The proposed law has been defeated for now thanks in large part to the collective efforts of consumers, advocates and attorneys who represent homeowners in foreclosure in Florida courts every day.
“It restores faith in our legislative process when lawmakers listen and respond favorably to homeowners voicing their concerns during this economic crisis”, says Matt Weidner, an attorney from Pinellas County who represents homeowners in foreclosure.
On the heels of this victory on Wednesday, April 21st hundreds of homeowners, consumers and other advocates from all across the State of Florida are driving, flying, taking busses (maybe even a horse or two) into Tallahassee with a powerful message: DO NOT TAKE AWAY VALUABLE CONSUMER PROTECTIONS. WE WANT TO WORK TOGETHER TO SOLVE THE CURRENT CRISIS. Leaders from both houses have graciously agreed to meet with their voters and with the group of consumer attorneys.
Chip Parker, a Jacksonville attorney who represents homeowners in foreclosure, encourages everyone who cares about Florida’s economic recovery to support this effort. “This isn’t about just laws that relate to foreclosure, it’s about preserving a balance that protects families during economic times like these. This is the worst time to be considering any laws that take away important consumer protections and that favor the banks”.
The attorneys also oppose the new laws because the changes would negatively impact the courts, judges and their staff because the changes would eliminate nearly 25% of the judiciary budget. This would make worse what is already a difficult situation for judges and their staff currently buried under thousands of foreclosure cases. “We need to ensure our courts are properly funded so that every litigant can have their day in court” says Weidner. Consumer advocates share this view in large part because they see how little time is currently devoted to hearing cases due to the high case loads.
The rally is scheduled to begin at 9:00am in Tallahassee at the steps of the Capitol and is open to attendance by all. Check the following websites for caravan and contact information!
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Homeowners to Rally at the Capitol this Week
[…] UPDATE: 04/16/10 Press Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Homeowners to Rally at the Capitol this Week […]