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Republicans, Governor put unscrupulous lenders before middle class families
April 2, 2012
AUGUSTA – Republican lawmakers in the Maine House upheld a veto of a measure that would give protections to homeowners in foreclosure proceedings. Governor Paul LePage vetoed the measure last Friday, saying the bill put a “burden” on lenders.
The bill was sponsored by Rep. Bobbi Beavers, D-South Berwick.
“Telling the truth should not be a burden,” said Beavers. “Republican lawmakers have put unscrupulous big banks ahead of struggling middle class families. This bill simply protects struggling homeowners from the widely reported abuses of the national mortgage companies.”
The bill would have prevented large mortgage companies from foreclosing on homes they may not have legal ownership of. It would require the banks to present the original mortgage note or proof of ownership before court proceedings, preventing potential fraud against homeowners.
The veto was upheld by a vote of 69 to 69. A two-thirds vote is required to overturn a veto.
“Maine people want lawmakers to fight for Maine families, not unscrupulous lenders from Wall Street,” said Rep. Emily Cain, D-Orono. “Republicans and the governor voted on the wrong side of Maine people and common sense.”
The bill initially received strong bipartisan support in both the Maine House and Senate.
Contact:
Jodi Quintero [Beavers, Cain], 287-1488, c. 841-6279