November 9, 2017
Thursday’s Advocacy & Think Tank Roundup
- Freedom Debt Relief (Freedom) is in hot water. The Consumer Finance Protection Bureau (CFPB) accused the nation’s leading debt settlement entity of lying to its customers. Allegedly, Freedom misled its customers by claiming the entity’s capabilities to settle debt with third parties. Customers were “led to believe Freedom possessed clout” with creditors across the nation. Freedom purported to consumers it could use its clout to settle debt for lower rates than consumers attempting to do such on their own.
- The Urban Institute (UI) studied housing issues in rural communities across America. The study found rural communities, much like many Americans, cannot afford the housing in their local areas. For instance, Illinois minimum wage is $8.25 per hour; however, in order for one to afford a two-bedroom in Cairo, Illinois he or she must earn $13 per hour. Further, only 25% of housing is available for rent and new constructs are stale and non-existent.
