LANSING – After Tuesday's State of the State address, State Representative Bettie C. Scott
(D-Detroit) hailed Governor Jennifer M. Granholm's plans to put an end to utility shut-offs for the rest of the winter,
address insurance reform, and halt foreclosures throughout the state.
"We should be doing everything we can to protect our residents during these tough economic times," Scott said. "Too many Michigan residents are struggling to make ends meet right now and their bills are piling up. Our residents' homes must be a safe and warm place for them to live, and these two plans the Governor outlined will help keep them that way."
Shortly after the Legislative session began in January, Scott introduced a plan that will prohibit utility shut-offs for individuals and members of their households if they have a medical necessity. Just last month, a 93-year-old Bay City man froze to death after his utilities were shut-off.
Also in working to protect citizens, Scott introduced a plan that calls for insurance reforms including elimination of territorial rating or "red-lining" in establishing automobile insurance pricing. There are far too many safe drivers, Scott said whose premiums do not reflect their actual driving experience.
Representative Scott also has introduced a plan that will allow courts to prohibit the foreclosure of a residential mortgage or land contract for one year if the borrower request court intervention. Under the plan, a lender must give the borrower a chance to have a face-to-face meeting within 30 days of a foreclosure notice in order to attempt to resolve the delinquency or restructure the loan payment schedule. If loan is still unpaid after 30 more days, the lender can continue foreclosure proceedings .
"The people of Michigan shouldn't have to fear losing their homes, their heat and access to equitable insurance," Scott said. "Such occurrences are completely preventable and we must protect our most vulnerable residents in these cold winter months. I am pleased the Governor has brought these three issues to the table and I believe we must act on them now. I urge my colleagues in the House and Senate to take up both plans and put our residents' best interests first."