LANSING, Mi. -- Senate Democrats have long championed legislation to address the foreclosure crisis in our state, and today’s agreement between the House and Senate versions of foreclosure prevention bills was another step forward. It is the second time in two weeks that Senate Democrats helped force a compromise on important legislation to assist Michigan families, including the Senate’s recent approval of legislation to hire Michigan workers first.

“Our caucus fought tooth and nail to keep this package from being gutted, and in the end our protections for consumers won the day,” said Senate Democratic Leader Mike Prusi (D- Ishpeming). “Progress on these important issues reinforces the fact that Democrats are offering real solutions and are able to get things done to help Michigan families through these difficult times.”

Democrats strongly opposed Senate Republican changes removing the ability to force banks to negotiate with homeowners before foreclosing. The compromise agreed to today includes an important judicial enforcement provision that Democrats demanded.

“We have to be doing everything we can to help people keep their homes, and this legislation will offer another tool to do just that,” said Senator Tupac A. Hunter (D-Detroit), a member of the conference committee that worked out the compromise. “Senate Democrats will continue to force action on additional reforms to get Michigan’s economy moving again and help struggling families get back on their feet.”

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