March 19, 2020

Brown Calls On Debt Collectors To Help Hard Working Americans During the Coronavirus Pandemic

Brown: At The Height Of This Crisis No American Should Have To Pick Between Putting Food On The Table And Paying A Non-Essential Bill

U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) – ranking member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs recently sent letters calling on debt collectors to alleviate the economic fallout American families are facing as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic by: suspending all collection activity, postponing or dismissing any pending court proceedings, not filing new lawsuits, ceasing to accrue interest on balances due, contacting consumers on automatic payment plans, and offering to temporarily suspend payments. Sen. Brown sent letters to major trade groups representing debt collectors: iA Institute, ACA International, National Creditors Bar Association, and Receivables Management Association Int’l.

“During this time of crisis, we all need to come together to protect our collective health and mitigate the financial blow that COVID-19 is taking on workers and our economy. Our first priority must be protecting all Americans’ health and making sure that their basic needs are met. At this time, no mother or father should have to choose between putting food on their table and paying a non-essential bill,” wrote Senator Brown.

Earlier this week Senator Brown joined  Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI) and introduced new legislation to protect people’s credit scores during the coronavirus outbreak.

Full Text of the letter to can be found below and HERE.

Mark Neeb

Chief Executive Officer

ACA International

509 2nd St. NE

Washington, DC 20002

Dear Mr. Neeb:

I write to urge your members to take immediate action to alleviate the economic fallout American families are facing as a result of the Novel Coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) pandemic. Federal, state, and local authorities are taking sweeping and unprecedented measures to try to contain the spread of COVID-19, restricting travel, closing schools, cancelling large gatherings, and limiting the operation of or closing restaurants, bars, and other businesses. American workers are already feeling the impact of this severe disruption to our economy, as companies have announced layoffs, many small businesses are unable to make payroll, and part-time, tip-based, seasonal, and gig work has dried up.

During this time of crisis, we all need to come together to protect our collective health and mitigate the financial blow that COVID-19 is taking on workers and our economy. Our first priority must be protecting all Americans’ health and making sure that their basic needs are met. At this time, no mother or father should have to choose between putting food on their table and paying a non-essential bill. During this crisis, I urge your members to pitch in and help reduce the financial toll on American families by providing the following financial relief to all consumers from whom they are collecting debts:

  • Waive late fees;
  • Stop accruing interest on any balances due;
  • Suspend all collection activity, postpone or dismiss any pending court proceedings, and stop filing new lawsuits; and
  • Contact consumers on automatic payment plans and offer to temporarily suspend payments.

The American people are scrambling to ensure they protect themselves, their families, and vulnerable individuals in society from this virus. I look forward to hearing from you and your members about steps they are taking to help American families get through this crisis.

Sincerely,

 

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