Dear friends,
I'd like to let you know about some legislation that I've recently introduced, and some issues in the Michigan House
that I believe will strengthen our community and protect our residents.
Plan to Protect Homeowners by Banning Foreclosures for 90 Days
I recently supported a plan to keep more Michigan families in their homes by putting a 90-day moratorium on foreclosures for struggling homeowners who seek help in trying to stay in their homes. With our economy in crisis, we need to stand behind our working families who are in danger of losing their piece of the American dream.
The plan provides a 90-day lifeline from foreclosure for homeowners who commit to working with their lender and a housing counselor to reach a solution. Counselors are available through the Michigan State Housing and Development Authority (MSHDA) and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Michigan currently ranks seventh in the nation for foreclosures. More than 145,000 properties were in foreclosure in
2008 – a 21 percent increase from 2007 and a 108 percent increase from 2006. In January of this year alone, 11,418
foreclosures were reported in Michigan. Last month, 629 properties went into foreclosure in Genesee County. Of these,
264 were in Flint, 62 were in Grand Blanc, and Burton saw 59 homes enter foreclosure.
Strengthening Michigan's Indentity Theft Laws
This week, I introduced House Bill 4326, which would expand Michigan's racketeering statute to include internet or
computer crimes and include felony violations of the Identity Theft Protection Act.
Identity theft remains the number one consumer fraud complaint received by the Federal Trade Commission, with reported
fraud losses totaling more than $1.2 billion. My bill would give prosecutors a way with which to charge offenders. By
adding identity theft to Michigan's racketeering statute, we empower law enforcement to pursue the entire organization
behind these crimes, not just the low hanging fruit.
New Tools for Keeping Citizens Safe while Driving
I also introduced House Bill 4394, which would provide law enforcement with new tools for keeping our citizens safe
while driving a motor vehicle. This legislation would expand the Michigan Vehicle Code to include language that
prohibits the use of text-messaging device while driving. Texting while driving is an incredibly dangerous practice that
not only endangers the health of the driver, but those around him or her as well. This plan will ensure that those who
would place others in danger on our roads will be punished to the full extent of the law.
If you have any suggestions for items in the e-newsletter, please e-mail me at leegonzales@house.mi.gov. Please click on the links above to get
more news about my activities here in Lansing. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Lee Gonzales
State Representative
District 49