Thursday, January 8, 2009

Michigan Governor signs financial education bill into law

Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm has signed SB 834 into law, that would allow a financial education course to satisfy part of the state's high school math requirements. This new law demonstrates Michigan's recognition of the increasing importance of financial education for students.

To view the new law, click here.

Mortgage bankruptcy bills reintroduced

from CUNA News Now, 1/8/09

WASHINGTON (1/8/09)—Lawmakers in both houses of the U.S. Congress reintroduced legislation this week that would let judges modify mortgage terms in bankruptcy proceedings.
After falling short in completing the legislative process in 2008, the bill was reintroduced in the Senate by Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and in the House by Rep. Brad Miller (D-N.C.) Tuesday.
Ryan Donovan, vice president of legislative affairs for the Credit Union National Association (CUNA), said he believes that the lawmakers will try to get the bill attached to a much-anticipated, second economic stimulus package.

Durbin tried a similar strategy at the end of 2008 when he attempted to get mortgage "cramdown" provisions—that would have granted bankruptcy judges the power to rewrite the terms of loans—included in The Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2008.

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Honolulu City Council Committee Lineup

COMMITTEE ON BUDGET
Chair: Nestor Garcia
Vice Chair: Gary Okino
Duke Bainum
Charles Djou
Rod Tam

COMMITTEE ON EXECUTIVE MATTERS & LEGAL AFFAIRS
Chair: Charles Djou
Vice Chair: Barbara Marshall
Todd K. Apo
Duke Bainum
Romy Cachola
Donovan Dela Cruz
Nestor Garcia
Gary Okino
Rod Tam

COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE
Chair: Duke Bainum
Vice Chair: Nestor Garcia
Charles Djou
Donovan Dela Cruz
Barbara Marshall

COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY & SERVICE
Chair: Donovan Dela Cruz
Vice Chair: Romy Cachola
Duke Bainum
Charles Djou
Rod Tam

COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION & PLANNING
Chair: Gary Okino
Vice Chair: Donovan Dela Cruz
Nestor Garcia
Barbara Marshall
Rod Tam

COMMITTEE ON ZONING
Chair: Rod Tam
Vice Chair: Duke Bainum
Romy Cachola
Barbara Marshall
Gary Okino

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

10 Reasons Why Credit Unions Rule

From msnmoney, and Blueprint for Financial Prosperity.

1. Better interest rates on loans.
2. Personal loans are more likely.
3. Better interest rates on deposits.
4. Lower fees.
5. Fewer customers, better relationships.
6. Fewer customers, so you're more important.
7. No call centers.
8. You can be involved at a credit union.
9. NCUA insurance.
10. Less profit-driven.

Read the entire article here.

Free Informed Citizen Workshop

LRB's Public Access Room will be conducting another FREE Informed Citizen Workshop. This time it will be in Makiki. Come join others to learn about the legislative process and how to write effective testimony, and talk to your district lawmakers.

Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2009, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Makiki Library Mezzanine
1527 Keeaumoku Street, Honolulu

The workshop will be hosted by Friends of the Makiki Community Learning Center, Hui o Makiki, Rep. Della Au Belatti, Rep. Karl Rhoads, and Senator Carol Fukunaga.