Gail Riecken fights to prevent foreclosure for Indiana homeowners‏

INDIANAPOLIS – Thanks to the efforts of Rep. Gail Riecken (D-Evansville), the governor is set to receive legislation that continues to prevent foreclosure.

Under House Bill 1084, Hoosiers will continue to have access to mortgage counseling. The program will be funded through fees charged to the bank that files the foreclosure.

The legislation was thought to be at risk at one point during the day, but Riecken played a key role in reviving the proposal and helping it get final approval in the Indiana House of Representatives.

“This bill is vital for so many of our communities in Indiana,” Riecken said. “So many families are struggling to make mortgage payments and need help preventing foreclosure. I am relieved to see this important legislation make its way to the governor.”

House Bill 1084 passed through the Indiana General Assembly shortly after Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann announced the expansion of Indiana Foreclosure Prevention Network’s (IFPN) “Hardest Hit Fund.” The program offers individuals who are unemployed through no fault of their own assistance in paying mortgages, and has recently expanded coverage to more homeowners and increased financial assistance. Counselors, as a result of the fee in House Bill 1084, are the access for many homeowners to apply.

“I’m pleased to see our state government continue to make positive steps toward addressing the foreclosure crisis in Indiana,” Riecken concluded.

——————————————————————————–

As always, please contact me if you have any questions, comments or concerns related to our state government. Here is how you can stay in touch: call my office toll-free at 1-800-382-9842; write to me in care of the Indiana House of Representatives, 200 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46204; or email me at h77@iga.in.gov.