Oregon State Seal

OREGON HOUSE REPUBLICANS

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Nick Smith

February 28, 2012

503-986-1351

 

HOUSE REPUBLICANS SEEK DISTRIBUTION OF FUNDS TO

ASSIST HOMEOWNERS FACING FORECLOSURES

 

For a comparison of House Republican and House Democratic proposals, click here.

 

SALEM— Rep. Matt Wand (R-Troutdale), Rep. Jason Conger (R-Bend), Rep. Gene Whisnant (R-Sunriver) and several House Republicans today formally asked the budget-writing Joint Ways and Means Committee to distribute $26.5 million in foreclosure settlement funds to provide direct financial relief to struggling Oregon homeowners.  The Republicans made the request after House Democrats blocked proposed legislation to distribute these funds for homeowner assistance.

 

“After many hours at the negotiating table, it’s unfortunate that the Democrats refuse to work with us and provide relief for families who are struggling to stay in their homes,” Rep. Wand said.  “Republicans have put forward several ideas to protect homeowners including offering mediation at no charge when it can help them keep their homes.  Meanwhile, some legislative leaders would rather block any compromise and play election-year politics and are insisting that these families, which are struggling to stay in their homes, pay a fee up to $200 to enter into mediation with banks.” 

 

Democrats also blocked measures to provide a 60-day pre-foreclosure counseling period before a homeowner is in default, and another measure to block notices to help clarify the assistance that’s available to distressed homeowners. 

 

The Republicans say the $26.5 million in settlement funds should be distributed to the Oregon Housing and Community Services agency for the purpose of providing direct financial assistance for struggling Oregon homeowners.

 

“Families throughout Oregon are losing their homes,” said Rep. Conger. “We have been fighting to help these homeowners and now have an opportunity to do so using funds provided by the Attorney General’s settlement with large banks.  The $26.5 million in settlement money is the logical way to deliver immediate financial assistance to those who need it the most.”

 

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