Have you ever been stuck with a credit card bill for fraudulent charges? Or been hit with punitive overdraft fees even when you’re clearly low on funds? Have you been sick and lost a job opportunity or mortgage because of medical debt on your credit card?
There’s actually a federal agency designed to help — or at least, there was.
This week in OtherWords, Lauren Saunders writes about her battle with her bank over a bogus $1,000 charge, to no avail. “If a lawyer like me hit a brick wall trying to work with my bank, what hope does the average family have?” she writes.
“That’s why Congress created the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau — to have a watchdog that would stand up for ordinary people.” But now, the Trump administration and its allies in Congress are trying to de-fang this watchdog, in a boon to scammers and corporate lawbreakers everywhere. “In a world where we’re at the mercy of big corporations that ignore the law, exploit struggling families, and make profits at our expense, we need the CFPB on our side,” she concludes.
Also this week, Mitchell Zimmerman explains how immigration can help keep Social Security solvent in a country with an aging workforce and declining birthrate. And Paul Armentano debunks media and law enforcement myths about “tainted” cannabis products.
New This Week…
A $1,000 Taxi? That’s What Consumer Protections Are For | Lauren Saunders
Millions of Americans are victims of scams — including me. That’s why we can’t let Trump destroy the agency that fights back.
Immigration Can Help Save Social Security | Mitchell Zimmerman
By welcoming immigrants, we can uphold the promise of America — and help all Americans enjoy security in old age.
Want Safer Cannabis? Take It Off the Streets and Put It Behind the Counter | Paul Armentano
By legalizing and regulating the licensed sale of cannabis products, lawmakers are providing consumers with safer experiences.
In Case You Missed It…
NOAA Cuts Put Coastal Communities at Risk | Sabrina B. Valenti
I helped restore wetlands that kept the Gulf coast safe while my colleagues tracked hurricanes. Now we’re out of a job — just in time for hurricane season.
Medical Bills Don’t Belong on Your Credit Report | Chloe Rogers
Including medical debt on credit reports doesn’t help lenders assess risk — it simply punishes people for being sick, hospitalized, or denied insurance coverage.
America First? No, Corporations First. | Rick Claypool
Big corporations donated heavily to Trump’s inaugural fund. Just a few months later, federal cases against them are being dropped.
The Real-World Costs of Eliminating Head Start | Stephanie Schmit
Families can’t afford to lose child care. Providers can’t afford to lose jobs. And the economy can’t afford to have less stability for children.
