Dear Economic Fairness Supporters,
This week on the economic fairness front:
1. $18,000 for 400 low-wage workers
2. Sen. Edwards: US financial system is trapping poor
3. Extend “Payday Loan” Protections to All Borrowers
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October 6th
September 28th
September 21st
September 15th
September 8th
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1. $18,000 goes back into the pockets of 400 low-wage workers. Thursday Oct. 12th was the first payday for 400 workers harvesting strawberry plants in a remote town south of Klamath Falls. However, with few options for cashing their paycheck, unbanked, low-wage workers often turn to check cashers. Oregon has no limit on check-cashing fees, and as a result, the average cost to cash a $1,000 paycheck is $60. For Christine Newkirk, Community Resource Manager with Oregon Human Development Corporation, that was too much. Click here to read more.
2. US financial system is trapping the poor. This is the message Senator Edwards delivered at an Oct. 11th forum exploring how predatory lending, lack of access to banking services, rent-to-own stores and other over-priced services make it more expensive to be poor in America. Several days earlier, Congressman Blumenauer held a similar forum in Portland. Expect to hear more from these leaders as they continue to advocate for policies aimed at bringing down the high cost of poverty. The Herald Sun, Oct, 11th.
3. Extend “Payday Loan” Protections to All Borrowers. Michelle Singletary, NPR commentator and Washington Post columnist, makes the case that Congress should not stop at only protecting military borrowers from high-priced debt, all consumers deserve protection from loans that are a bad deal for everyone. Read the story, Washington Post, Oct. 12th. Then take action to help win real protection in Oregon.
Stand up for economic fairness for all Oregon families. Add your voice to the Economic Fairness Coalition.
1.) Spread the word. Forward this message to friends, colleagues or your membership list. Tell them to visit the web site to sign up and get more info.
2.) Learn more. Invite a speaker to come talk to your group about the Economic Fairness Coalition. Call Angela Martin at 503-239-8029.
3.) Help close the payday loan loophole. Make a contribution to fund the Economic Fairness Campaign. Learn more.
Payday Loan Fairness: [x] Yes, [] No
©2006 Our Oregon. All rights reserved. Photos by Leah Nash.