LANSING – State Representative Alberta Tinsley-Talabi (D-Detroit) introduced a measure this week that would stop lenders from bringing foreclosure by advertisement proceedings against military service members. Foreclosure by advertisement is the most common method of foreclosure in Michigan and allows a lender to take a home without the foreclosure case being heard before a judge.
“This measure would provide needed protection to our men and women in the military who are working at home and abroad to protect us,” Tinsley-Talabi said. “It will allow the families of our service members to stay in their homes while their loved ones are away from home defending our nation.”
Foreclosure remains a major problem for Michigan home owners. There were 100,248 foreclosure filings against Michigan home owners in 2011, or one filing for every 45 housing units in the state, according to online foreclosure property marketer RealtyTrac. Michigan ranked sixth in the nation for the number of foreclosure filings per housing unit.
House Bill 5243, introduced Wednesday, Jan. 11, would extend protection to men and women who serve in the armed services or reserve forces of the United States or the Michigan National Guard.
“I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle of the Michigan Legislature to show their support of our hard-working service members and their families who allow us to enjoy the freedom and privileges of our country,”Tinsley-Talabi said.