Empire Justice Memo of Support: A.1406/S.4140- Protect the Homes of Welfare Recipients

New York is one of only two states in the nation that takes deeds and mortgages against the homes of welfare recipients to recover the public assistance paid to these homeowners. Read More

Empire Justice Memo of Support: Pass the Consumer Credit Fairness Act

A.7558A, the Consumer Credit Fairness Act (CCFA), would prevent debt buyers from continuing to exploit gaps in our state’s Civil Practice Law and Rules, while allowing legitimate cases to proceed. Read More

Empire Justice Memo of Support: Ensure Access to Justice in Lending

This bill promotes justice and will enable more homeowners to find legal representation when their homeownership is in jeopardy. Read More

Empire Justice Center Letter to FTC on Mortgage Acts and Practices Rulemaking

Comments regarding the Federal Trade Commission’s proposed rulemaking proceeding with respect to mortgage loans. Read More

Letter of Support - Childhood Lead Poisoning Primary Prevention Act

Approval of this bill (A.6399c/S.6350b) is critically important for New York State and especially for the children in the most impoverished sections of its urban areas. Read More

United Way Lettter of Support for A6399c/S6350b - Sign the Childhood Lead Poisoning Primary Prevention Act Into Law

The United Way urges Governor Paterson to sign into law this legislation which will prevent thousands of New York’s children from being lead poisoned each year. Read More

The Children’s Defense Fund of NY Letter of Support for the Childhood Lead Poisoning Primary Prevention Act

This legislation would build upon existing programs to require the state to maximize its resources by targeting the areas in the state with the greatest number of lead poisoned children; creating and implementing local prevention plans that fit the needs and resources of impacted communities; and provide modest resources for property owners to address lead hazards in housing. Read More

Empire Justice Letter in Support - Help New York Avoid Preventable Foreclosures

A letter written in full support of Assembly 10817a\Senate 8143a. This strong piece of legislation will help keep thousands of New York homeowners from losing their homes to foreclosure, as well as insure that New York homeowners are protected from many of the worst lending abuses in the subprime industry that lead to the current crisis. Read More

GRCRC Comments on HSBC's CRA Performance

The Greater Rochester Community Reinvestment Coalition, and its convener, Empire Justice Center, submitted a letter to federal regulators on HSBC's performance in meeting the credit needs of the Rochester community. Read More

Empire Justice Comments on the Federal Reserve's Proposed Amendments to Regulation E

Financial institutions should provide consumers who do not affirmatively consent to the institution’s overdraft service for ATM withdrawals and one-time debit card transactions an account with the same terms, conditions and features, including interest rates paid and fees assessed, as it provides consumers who affirmatively consent to overdraft services. Read More

Alliance for Healthy Homes Letter of Support for Lead Poisoning Primary Prevention Act

The Alliance for Health Homes urges Governor Paterson to sign into law the Childhood Lead Poisoning Primary Prevention and Safe Housing Act of 2008. Read More

Empire Justice Center Testimony on the Governor's Proposed Deficit Reduction Plan

In the Governor’s proposed Deficit Reduction Plan, several funding streams, are slated for substantial cuts that will not only undermine your commitment and the Assembly’s commitment to legal assistance, but will also result in INCREASED costs to the state. Read More

NEDAP and Empire Justice Testimony on NYHELPs Program

We fear that low income New Yorkers who receive loans through NYHELPs and later become disabled or have difficulty finding employment will be harmed by this program. Read More

Empire Justice Center Testimony on Discriminatory Mortgage Practices in New York State

Testimony before the Assembly Standing Committee on Banks on discriminatory mortgage practices in New York State. Read More