Posts Tagged ‘predatory lending’

Iowa Lender Fails Again, Proving the Need for Reform

Wednesday, October 7th, 2009

53213877_55b736f882We didn’t think we needed any more proof that the Senate student aid bill is absolutely vital for protecting the finances of college students nationwide, but recent developments in Iowa put the icing on the corrupt lending cake.

The public learned Tuesday of the second judicial ruling against Iowa Student Loan Liquidity Corp. in a month. We now know conclusively that between 2004 and 2006, the private, “nonprofit” ISL lied about its eligibility for particular federal subsidies. So now it owes the government $2.4 million.

This is on top of the $15.76 million it was ordered to repay last week after courts discovered that ISL inexcusably used illegal bribes to increase business.

These crooked and predatory lending practices are despicable. They clearly display the need for better loan company regulation and more trustworthy financial options for cash-strapped students. Now it is the Senate’s turn to be appalled and make a change. Take a stand and show them that you demand better protections from companies like ISL. You can easily Tweet, email, fax or call your Senator today to express your support for the student aid bill.

The current system simply can’t continue. As young people, we need to safeguard our future.

Hearing on Student Loans & Bankruptcy on Wednesday

Monday, September 21st, 2009

On Wednesday (9/23/09) at 1PM the House Committee on the Judiciary Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law will be holding a hearing called “An Undue Hardship? Discharging Educational Debt in Bankruptcy.”

If that sounds a bit boring, then you haven’t been paying attention.  Private student loans, which contain few borrower protections and high interest rates, became nearly impossible to discharge under bankruptcy because of legislation passed in 2005. This has made private student loans more dangerous for students and more lucrative banks.

The bottom line: students have been singled out for less protection. What does this say about our country’s priorities?

bankruptcy

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